Extreme heat causing shop fridge and freezer failures

Channel 103 has been told that the reason why many Jersey supermarket fridges and freezers have been empty recently is because of the hot weather.

The extreme heat has caused many shop chillers to fail, meaning food can't be stored there safely.

Some islanders have taken to social media to complain about bare shelves, including at Morrisons on Bath Street.

Channel 103 has contacted the retailer for comment.

The issue has also been seen at several Channel Islands Coop stores.

CEO Mark Cox said:

"While we've all enjoyed the really high temperatures through June and July, it has caused us a number of refrigeration and freezer equipment failures during that period.

"In the grand scheme of it, against the number of outlets we run and the number of pieces of equipment we run, it has been small, but it is regrettable that it causes inconvenience to our members and customers and I think it's important that we respond quickly to protect food safety and minimise disruption.

"(The chillers) are designed to work in high temperatures, but what we've seen through June and July is that the temperatures have remained very high for a long period of time. That means the equipment is working far harder than it would do normally.

"One of the stats we were looking at just the other day was the temperature since mid-June didn't drop below 14°C even at night-time, that means this equipment works even harder than it would do normally and that increases the risk of failure.

"We've put in additional support for that equipment. We've got additional checks taking place through engineers to try and keep on top of it."

The retail boss also said they are going to have to make plans to adapt if temperatures are to increase even further in future years.

Mr Cox added:

"We have a planned series of investments in our equipment. We've got to look at where the plant that runs that equipment is stored and positioned so where we can we're bringing some of that inside so it can be kept cooler.

"We're moving away from gas-led equipment into CO2 which is better for the environment, but equally is able to handle those higher temperatures better as well.

"There's a whole series of actions that we're taking, but it does mean we've got to keep on top of this equipment and keep investing where we can."