Refrigeration and freezing are common food preservation techniques that inhibit microbial growth and slow spoilage.
However, these methods offer only temporary preservation, as microbial and enzymatic activity resumes at ambient temperatures.
Unlike canning or drying, which provide long-term preservation at room temperature, cold storage requires continuous energy.
Power outages or cooling system failures can lead to rapid spoilage of stored food.
Consequently, low temperatures are most effective for short-to-medium term food preservation.