A locking system for a temperature-controlled container is provided. The container has an interior and a barrier having an open position allowing access to the interior of the container and a closed position blocking access to the interior of the container. The locking system includes a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature within the container; a locking device coupled to the barrier to lock the barrier in the closed position; and a controller in communication with the locking device and the temperature sensor. The controller receives the sensed temperature from the temperature sensor and controls the locking device based on the sensed temperature. The controller is configured to control the locking device to lock the barrier in the closed position when the sensed temperature rises above a predetermined threshold temperature.

A panic bar latch release assembly has an inside latch release and an outside pull type handle latch. The handle latch includes a pivotal pull handle and an adaptor having a rounded receiver recess. An elongated push rod is positioned within a push rod channel of the door so as to extend from the inside latch release to the rounded receiver recess of the outside handle latch. The push rod includes a coupler that physically couples the push rod to the interior latch release. The panic bar latch release assembly also includes an outside rod guide that includes an O-ring seal through which the push rod extends to prevent air from passing between the push rod and the door.