Science! Don't worry, there will be no chemistry problems or small explosions. Just a little bit of mind blowing, but don't worry it is well worth it. Did you know that there are a large variety of scientific factors that can influence your food transport? There is more to the act of food transport than tossing a pan into a cooler or catering box. So get your lab goggles on and sit tight, here are some cool scientific facts about food transport...
1. The Amount of Food Transported is Directly Proportionate to the Heat Retention Efficiency
More food = Better Temperature Retention
Did you know that the amount of food you transport can directly affect the temperature retention of your food transport container? It's true! When you transport one pan, it will get colder faster than if you had transported multiple heated pans. By putting all of your heated dishes together, it may be a little on the heavy side, but you will be able to keep your food warmer longer. The added heat and decreased space for heat to be released means a more efficient form of temperature retention. Science is fun!
2. Transporting Food Can Cause Injuries
Did you know that some common ways of transporting food can actually cause injuries over time?
Did you know that a traditional insulated food pan carrier can weigh up to 25 pounds? Now think about adding 40 pounds of food to that unit. The combination of the two now comes in at a backbreaking 65 pounds! That is about 14 pounds over the recommended safe carry weight recognized by the National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH). Crazy, right? Don’t worry science and innovation has come to the rescue!
Enter a new breed of catering boxes that weigh less than 10 pounds while still keeping food at a safe temperature for 5 hours! This miracle of modern science is made possible because of a material known as Expanded Polypropylene (EPP). This material is highly durable and super light, making it a perfect match for catering boxes.
3. If you aren't careful food can go Bad on the Road.
Transporting can take a toll on your product, be sure that you do all you can to keep food fresh.
The CDC estimates that each year 48 million people get sick from a foodborne illness, these illnesses are often caused by foods being under-cooked or stored at the wrong temperature. Of these 128,000 people will be hospitalized, and 3,000 will die . Needless to say, it is extremely important to do everything in your power to ensure the safety of your customers when transporting food to a different location. One easy way to help keep your food safer and customers happier is by properly covering trays immediately after they are cooked. This will lock in the temperature and moisture of the product for transport. Some other tips include, getting the food into the carrier as quickly as possible,this will make sure that the heat is retained in the carrier and that the food stays at a safe temperature. Also, be careful not to open the door on your carrier too much, this releases heat and lowers the holding temperature of the carrier.