Prominent UK trade groups join coalition to investigate raising storage temperatures

The Cold Chain Federation (CCF) and the British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF) have joined The Move to -15°C, a global coalition campaigning for the temperature at which frozen food is stored and transported to be increased from -18 to -15 degrees celsius.

Recent studies show that temperature increases do not compromise food safety or quality, but changing the standard would significantly reduce carbon emissions.

Both federations have been involved in previous research on revising the temperature, which was established 100 years ago and hasn’t changed since. By joining the coalition on behalf of their memberships, they are committing to putting forward the views of hundreds of frozen food and logistics businesses across the UK to this campaign.

Phil Pluck, CEO of the Cold Chain Federation, said: “The -18°C standard has not been reviewed in almost a century. Meanwhile, the technology, equipment and processes used to manage temperature-controlled logistics have advanced beyond recognition”.

“The result is that we’re now able to make this hugely positive change without jeopardising the great benefits frozen food delivers to consumers and businesses.

“The CCF and its members are a major force in creating environmentally sustainable solutions to delivering safe food to the UK consumer. This initiative could contribute huge carbon savings on a UK and global level and so we wholeheartedly support the ambitions of this coalition.”

Rupert Ashby, CEO of the British Frozen Food Federation, said: “For a hundred years frozen food has brought a host of benefits to consumers and businesses, locking in nutritional value and offering greater quality and a variety of products at more affordable prices. It also has a major role to play in reducing food waste, something that is a major environmental challenge.

“If the science and evidence show that the industry can increase temperatures, it would allow our industry to continue delivering these advantages while also achieving further cuts in carbon emissions, and that’s why we’re joining the Move to -15°C coalition on our members’ behalf.”

Thomas Eskesen, chairman of the Move to -15°C, said: “We are thrilled to have received backing from the BFFF and CCF. As important representatives of the UK’s frozen food industry, their support and belief in our cause marks a significant milestone in our journey.

“By working together, we stand to make a positive impact on the environment. If we can redefine frozen food temperature standards then we could save 17.7 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide per year – that’s the equivalent of taking 3.8 million cars off the road annually.

“Collaboration sits at the heart of what we’re trying to achieve, so it’s great to see continued support for our coalition, and we urge anyone interested in finding out more about what we’re doing to reach out and consider joining.”

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