Cold chain is the low-temperature storage process of food products from production to consumption. Frozen foods are stored in the production facility after being cooled in the most suitable conditions. Frozen foods received from manufacturer warehouses are delivered to intermediate warehouses or dealer warehouses by suitable vehicles for product specifications.
There are refrigerator trucks with cooling units as an example. Transportation, packaging, and delivery of food products to sales areas by the cold chain requirements are legally mandatory.
These warehouses are built according to the characteristics of frozen foods. The shipment of frozen foods is carried out by the food business operator, from warehouses to sales points to meet consumers’ needs. The responsibility of delivering frozen foods to the consumer without sacrificing hygiene and quality belongs to the food business operator. Also, the necessary controls must be made in terms of product quality and consumer health.
Importance of Cold Chain
The use of cold chain systems is required in many areas. Today, there is an increase in consumers’ desire to reach safe food. That raises the importance of the cold chain in distribution channels from large-scale to small-scale markets. This process should be carried out with more attention and care to meet the market’s needs.
“Temperature” is vital in preserving sensitive foods such as meat, milk, fish, and frozen products. Temperature change causes the growth of microorganisms and the deterioration of products’ physical and chemical structures.
The cold chain should not be broken at any stage, from production to consumption. Hence, microorganisms do not reproduce, and the freshness of foods does not deteriorate.
As a result of its importance, the cold chain is protected by laws. The laws emphasize on the responsibilities of food producers. Therefore, producers have to control the temperature. All food product stages (storage, sales, etc.) must be observed from shipment to consumption. The necessary cold environment has to be provided.
In short, the “Cold Chain” is a legal requirement for foodstuffs that must be kept in a cold environment.
Uses of Cold Chain
The cold chain rules should be observed when transporting the following products, and the required temperature balance should be carefully adjusted:
- Medical products
- Food products
- Blood
- Organs
- Vegetables and fruits, etc.
Cold Chain In Food Industry
The cold chain is most often used in the food industry. The cold chain ensures that food is delivered in good health. A cold chain is required where appropriate temperature and humidity conditions must be ensured. The cold chain in food, which is under control by-laws, is critical.
Providing Temperature Controlled Environment
There are various types of refrigerants produced for cooling products. In particular, commercial freezer models or cooling systems are used to keep the food in the cold chain. Cold cabinets are devices that keep foods cold. These devices are as known as follows:
- Heat exchanger,
- Commercial fridges,
- Radiative cooling within heat shields,
- Intercooler,
- Cooler,
- A cooling tower is used in large industrial plants and power stations and
- A refrigerator etc.
In case of deterioration of the cold chain, “cold chain breaking reports” should be prepared and submitted to the necessary authorities. Products should never be used in cases where the cold chain is broken. Otherwise, they will have harmful effects on health.
Cold Chain Break
Breaking the cold chain causes serious issues. Food, vaccine, medicine, and all the other biological materials must be stored at appropriate temperatures. From the production stage to cold chain logistics, every step must comply with the law to have the best outcome.
According to cold chain rules, thawed products should never be refrozen to avoid a cold chain break. The temperature values to be applied in the cold chain can change with the type of food.
In cases where the cold chain packaging is suspected to be broken, these products should be placed in the cold storage room reserved for them and marked. In addition, a report should be prepared about the products when the cold chain is broken.
The degree of exposure, exposure time, type of product, previous storage conditions, and expiration date should be taken into account. After that, it should be decided whether the products will be used or not.
If it is decided that the products can be used after evaluating the above factors, they should be used as a priority and emergency.
Products have been finalized for disposal decision and inspected and are stored outside the cold chain as labeled and in the record. If possible, they should be written on a separate package as the words “DISPOSAL – DO NOT USE.”
Greencooler Products and Cold Chain
The cold chain products of the Greencooler brand are produced with the latest technology. Our mission is to benefit cold chain technology users with its specially designed products.
It is possible to find freezers and fridges on Greencooler for every situation and condition, adhering to the principle of difference and change. Refrigeration devices are produced with extremely powerful and professional R&D and engineering studies. There are many kinds of products for the wishes and needs of the users. You can rely on us for the professional cold chain management.
You can reach our previous article from https://greencooler.international/wine-cooler-vs-fridge/
