5 Refrigeration Mistakes That Could Fail Your Next HACCP Audit
If your Brisbane, Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast business stores, prepares, or serves food, failing a HACCP audit could mean fines, shutdowns—or worse, risking customer safety. And when it comes to compliance, your refrigeration system is one of the most common failure points.
At ACRO, we’ve helped hundreds of commercial kitchens, aged care homes, and food manufacturers across Brisbane and the Gold Coast avoid critical refrigeration errors that could derail their HACCP compliance.
Here are the top 5 refrigeration mistakes that can lead to audit failure—and how to avoid them.
❌ 1. Inaccurate Temperature Logs
Auditors will check your temperature records first—and if they’re missing, inconsistent, or inaccurate, it’s a red flag.
Common issues:
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Manual logs not completed daily
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Thermometers not calibrated
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Staff forgetting to record temperatures during busy periods
✅ Fix it: Install a HACCP-compliant data logger that records temperatures automatically and stores digital records. ACRO offers systems with 24/7 alerts and downloadable logs to make audits painless.
❌ 2. Inconsistent Cooling Performance
If your fridge or cool room isn’t consistently staying within the safe range (usually 0–5°C for chilled storage), you risk bacterial growth and compliance breaches.
Common issues:
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Poor airflow from overloaded shelves
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Dirty condenser coils reducing cooling efficiency
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Faulty door seals letting cold air escape
✅ Fix it: Book regular preventative maintenance. ACRO’s PMA plans include coil cleaning, airflow checks, and seal inspections to keep your equipment running reliably.
❌ 3. Lack of Calibration or Thermometer Verification
Even if your fridge says it’s cold enough—is the reading actually accurate? Many businesses assume the built-in display is correct, but unverified thermometers are a common audit failure.
✅ Fix it: ACRO technicians calibrate and verify thermometers against certified reference tools during routine service visits. We provide documentation to back you up at audit time.
❌ 4. No Emergency Response Plan for Equipment Failure
What happens if your fridge fails at 2am before a morning delivery? Auditors want to see that you have systems in place to protect food safety in the event of equipment breakdown.
✅ Fix it: Partner with a provider like ACRO that offers 24/7 emergency breakdown support. Our clients receive priority service and a direct line to rapid on-site assistance.
❌ 5. Inadequate Cleaning & Maintenance Records
A dirty evaporator coil or clogged drain doesn’t just affect performance—it can lead to contamination risks, mould, or foul odours, all of which raise red flags with auditors.
✅ Fix it: Keep a cleaning schedule and signed maintenance reports. ACRO provides audit-ready maintenance logs with every service, tailored to HACCP requirements.
✅ Stay HACCP-Compliant with ACRO
We specialise in HACCP-compliant commercial refrigeration for businesses across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Whether you need:
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PMA plans
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Data loggers
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Emergency repairs
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HACCP documentation support
—we’ve got your compliance covered.
📞 Call ACRO on 1300 227 600
📍 Servicing Brisbane & Gold Coast | 24/7 Refrigeration Support
📩 Want a Free HACCP Compliance Check?
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