Improving temperature management and retaining quality of fresh-cut leafy greens by retrofitting open refrigerated retail display cases with doors

Open refrigerated display cases in supermarkets are prevalent the United States despite being prone to temperature fluctuations. We collaborated with a chain retailer Florida retrofit existing open vegetable doors, and monitored profile over 5 months. Quality evaluations were performed on baby spinach, spring mix, chopped romaine lettuce after storage under simulated closed case conditions. Doors improved spatial temporal uniformity whole fresh-cut cases. Optimal for ready-to-eat produce (≤5 °C) was recorded 98% of time door installation versus 49–88% before retrofitting. An overall decrease from 3.62 0.66 °C necessitated thermostat setting adjustment +1.1 avoid freezing salad product. Elevated headspace CO2 concentrations higher populations aerobic bacteria (6.6 log CFU g−1), yeasts molds (4.6 g−1) found conditions one or more products tested. Baby spinach leaves environment lighter green yellowish color. Electrolyte leakage ascorbic acid content three types similar between displays. Superior visual quality stronger purchase intent mix samples case. These had less severe off-odor discoloration, crispier texture than those held The decreased cases, along better potential energy savings, may encourage retailers consider retrofitting displays doors purchasing