Cold chain is the temperature controlled environment of a transport vehicle for food and medicines. It is used to ensure that the goods are transported in a specific range of temperature, which is required for the goods to be stored or delivered in good condition. Cold chain refers to refrigerated vehicles, containers and packaging materials used for the storage and transport of temperature sensitive products such as food, vaccines and blood samples.
Cold chain is an essential part of any supply chain because it helps to maintain product integrity throughout transportation. If a product’s temperature falls outside its recommended range during shipping, it can result in food spoilage or even loss of life if it is medicine being transported.
The cold chain begins with making sure that products are maintained at temperatures below 5°C or above 35°C during transportation but there are other factors that must be taken into consideration such as humidity levels and time spent at each step of the process.
How Does Cold Chain Work?
Cold chain refers to refrigerated vehicles, containers and packaging materials used for the storage and transport of temperature sensitive products such as food, vaccines and blood samples. The cold chain begins with making sure that products are maintained at temperatures below 5°C (41°F) or above 35°C (95°F).
Cold chain refers to the storage and transportation of temperature sensitive products. It is a common practice in the food industry, especially when shipping perishable items such as seafood, meat and dairy products. The cold chain can be divided into two parts: the refrigerated truck and the refrigerated warehouse.
Refrigerated trucks are used to transport goods from the warehouse to the end destination. The main function of a refrigerated truck is to keep items at a low temperature for as long as possible by using different types of cooling systems. Refrigerated warehouses are also known as cold rooms or cold stores, where goods are kept at a low temperature (usually below 5 degrees Celsius).
Cold chain refers to the range of temperature controlled supply chains, including storage, transport and distribution. The main aim of cold chain management is to avoid unintended temperature excursions, which can cause degradation or spoilage of products.
The cold chain management ensures that food products are stored at the appropriate temperature for their safety and quality. Food products may require refrigerated storage if they are sensitive to heat or if they are likely to deteriorate when exposed to high temperatures. The range of temperatures required varies according to the type of product being handled, for example milk requires a higher temperature than frozen vegetables, which in turn requires a higher temperature than chilled watermelons.
It is important that food is stored at the proper temperature throughout its journey from producer to consumer in order to ensure that it remains safe for consumption. Cold chain management provides a system whereby goods can be transported safely over long distances without compromising their nutritional value and taste.
Click here to read more on cold chains in refrigerated vans.
