On the morning of 28 April, a blackout hit the Iberian Peninsula, leaving much of Portugal and Spain without electricity for several hours. Traffic lights were switched off, supermarkets closed, flights cancelled, payment networks inoperable and transport paralysed – just some of the consequences felt in both countries. And although power was gradually restored, the episode raises an urgent question: are businesses truly prepared to deal with a large-scale power failure?
At FRICON, we believe that every challenge is an opportunity to rethink practices and strengthen business resilience. That’s why we’ve provided some essential recommendations for dealing with energy failures and highlighted solutions that can make a difference.
The impact of an energy failure on the food sector
The energy collapse caused a rush to the supermarkets, fearing that the lack of energy would jeopardise the supply of essential goods. In general, almost all shops and restaurants had to suspend activity. Families were unable to cook, access piped water or keep food refrigerated. For many businesses, it was a real test of resilience.
For supermarkets, restaurants, distributors and other businesses in the food sector, a power failure is not just a setback, it’s a real threat. It only takes a few hours without power to jeopardise fresh and frozen products, generate significant losses and undermine consumer confidence.
You can’t rely on the stability of the system, it fails and can fail again.
Good refrigeration practices during power outages
In the event of a power failure, quick and effective crisis management is essential to minimise the impact. Below, we’ve listed 7 key points to consider in order to guarantee business continuity, protect products and maintain the trust of customers and suppliers:
- Ensure that the equipment is properly calibrated and maintained, so that the temperature is maintained for longer;
- Keep equipment closed to preserve the internal temperature for longer.
- Use digital thermometers to monitor the temperature during and after the blackout, to assess risks and make safe decisions.
- Investing in support equipment – Autonomous refrigeration equipment or mobile solutions are valuable allies in times of crisis.
- Contingency plan setting out internal protocols for emergency situations and ensuring that the team is trained to act quickly and effectively.
- Make an assessment of the products – Once the power has been restored, it is essential to check that the food has maintained safe temperatures.
- Maintain transparent communication with customers about any changes in service, so that they are aware of any interruptions or changes. At the same time, ensure that there is coordination with suppliers to adjust deliveries, minimise waste and guarantee quick replacements, ensuring the continuity of your business efficiently.
Mobile refrigeration equipment
In the event of a power failure, having autonomous refrigeration equipment is a great advantage.
FRICON’s THG 6 FFE Horizontal Freezer is the ideal solution for crisis situations, as it keeps products preserved for several hours, even when switched off. This is possible thanks to its cold preservation system through the eutectic solution in its walls and the high level of insulation provided by its two opaque doors.
In addition, the THG 6 FFE is fuelled by natural refrigerant gas (R290), guaranteeing greater energy efficiency and less environmental impact. Its flexibility is another strong point: the equipment is easily movable thanks to its wheels and plug-in design, allowing it to be quickly installed in different areas of the shop. A practical and reliable solution for maintaining the quality of your products in emergency situations.
Although specially designed for selling ice-cream, the STREET CART can be an excellent solution for preserving other foods. Equipped with eutectic packs, this trolley keeps products refrigerated for several hours without relying on electricity. This is particularly useful in emergency situations when the power supply is interrupted, as it ensures that food is kept at safe temperatures for longer.
The BEACH CART, with wheels designed to move easily on sandy surfaces, offers the flexibility needed to move to different points of sale. Its ability to keep products refrigerated for several hours without relying on electricity makes it a practical solution for dealing with power failures. It can be used to preserve a variety of foods, ensuring that the quality and safety of the products are maintained.
The PUSHY BIKE WHEELS are ideal for emergency situations, offering autonomy of up to 7 hours to preserve food at very low temperatures, without the need for electricity. Its mobility makes it easy to adapt quickly to different sales or storage locations, helping to ensure that food remains at the ideal temperature. It is a versatile option, suitable not only for ice-cream, but also for other foods that require rigorous preservation.
You can find out about these and other solutions on our website.
Food safety after a power failure
After a prolonged power failure, it is essential to carefully assess the condition of the food, as a break in the cold chain can seriously jeopardise food safety. Raw meat, fish, shellfish, eggs, soups, pizzas, milk and its derivatives should be discarded if they have been at temperatures above 5 °C for more than two hours, as these conditions favour the rapid proliferation of bacteria.
Products such as yoghurts, sauces, butters, sausages or prepared salads should also be thrown away if there has been a loss of cold.
In the case of frozen food, it is safe to eat if it still has ice crystals and if the freezer has not exceeded -9 °C. If they have completely defrosted, even if they are cold to the touch, they should be discarded. Whenever possible, record temperatures with a digital thermometer to support informed decisions. When there is uncertainty, the principle is simple: prevention is better than cure.
This blackout showed us how vulnerable we can be to unforeseen failures.
At FRICON, we believe that prevention starts with smart choices. That’s why we will continue to innovate and provide robust, energy-efficient and adaptable solutions.
