Transport is the most delicate link in the logistics chain, especially when it comes to foodstuffs. The risks of breaking the cold chain are great if transport is not carried out in the best conditions. To avoid such a risk caused by a temperature variation or a temperature that is not adapted to the product, it is essential to know how to transport under controlled temperature. What exactly is it about? Under what conditions should this transport be ensured? What regulations are in force in France? Or, how do you ensure this delicate transport? Focus on highly monitored transport.
The objective of temperature-controlled transport is to ensure the transport of non-stable products in the best possible conditions by guaranteeing the maintenance of an appropriate temperature. This transport takes care of goods that are fragile to temperature variations. It includes foodstuffs, but also medical products, flowers and cosmetics. The controlled temperature therefore ensures transport conditions adapted to each product. The temperature to be maintained during these transports varies according to the type of product to be delivered; they can be positive temperatures (0-4°, 15-25°) or negative temperatures (-18°, -80°).
As mentioned above, the transport of goods under controlled temperature is the indispensable means for many types of products, sensitive to temperature variations. Among this merchandise, we thus find the following products:
Transport under temperature control requires packaging adapted to the type of product and the mode of transport. Depending on the nature of the product transported, you have two options.
Before the product is loaded to begin transport, storage warehouses also have a role to play. They must be equipped with a packaging room as well as pre-refrigeration in order to ensure that the quality and freshness of the stored products are respected.
Also discover: The guide to positive cold rooms
Transport under controlled temperatures requires real expertise on the part of drivers. It is therefore essential that they be trained and experienced to ensure deliveries in compliance with all health conditions. Knowledge of refrigerated transport is necessary, as are skills such as the ability to react to an unexpected event without compromising the cold chain, for example.
The transport of products under controlled temperature is regulated very strictly. The ultimate objective of implementing these health rules is to protect consumers against any risk of contamination or proliferation of bacteria. Two main elements must be respected. during refrigerated transport : maintaining and controlling temperatures.
Temperatures are maintained using refrigerated vehicles or isothermal containers (e.g. coolers) that meet ATP standards. Depending on the type of product transported, it is mandatory to adapt the temperature during transport. This is to ensure the preservation of all the properties of each commodity. For example:
Also discover: Frozen or frozen product: what is the difference?
Throughout the journey to the destination, it is essential to regularly check the products and the temperature to ensure that the cold chain is maintained and respected. To do this, you must read the temperatures of the products at regular intervals using dedicated tools such as probes, thermometers... Some more advanced software also allows the temperature to be taken automatically and even contains an alarm or notification system in the event of an anomaly.
As a result of the Hygiene Package, each establishment working with perishable goods must implement a HACCP program. This health plan establishes a set of hygiene rules within its company and its processes in order to guarantee the safety of foodstuffs. These rules are thus based on good hygiene practices, the HACCP approach as well as on a traceability process.
Also discover: The HACCP method: definition, principles, rules and training
As already mentioned earlier, the ATP regulation is an obligation in terms of regulating temperature-controlled transport. It is an Agreement on the International Carriage of Perishable Foodstuffs and on the special equipment to be used for such transport. It therefore sets the standards for refrigerated vehicles, the storage and transport temperatures according to the types of products as well as the health and safety standards to be respected throughout transport.
Good to know: the annex of theOrder of July 1, 2008 sets out the procedures for the technical inspection of refrigerated vehicles and lists the categories and classes of equipment to be used according to the type of food and the storage temperature to be respected during transport.
Ensuring logistics under controlled temperature therefore requires expertise as well as the appropriate equipment. Calling on a professional external logistics partner is therefore an asset. By carrying out numerous refrigerated delivery tours, Shippr has a great deal of experience in managing this type of transport. In addition, by collaborating exclusively with transport professionals, you are assured that refrigerated drivers will handle your goods with the greatest care and have the equipment necessary for the safety of your products.
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