The cold chain is crucial for preserving the quality of food and medicine. Even though the method has been around for a long time, companies can now leverage the latest technologies to safeguard the integrity of these goods throughout every stage of logistics. In this post, we take a closer look at how the cold chain works, which industries rely on it and the best ways to keep it intact.
1. What is the cold chain?
The cold chain is a temperature-controlled supply chain used to store, transport and distribute perishable products that require refrigeration or freezing.
2. How does the cold chain work?
Cold temperatures slow down the growth of microorganisms but don’t eliminate them. That’s why cold-chain logistics management aims to keep products within a specific temperature range throughout all stages: refrigerated storage in specialised warehouses, transport in temperature-controlled vehicles and continuous monitoring up to the point of sale.
3. Where is the cold chain used?
The cold chain is essential in industries such as food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, where product quality, safety and effectiveness depend on consistent temperature control.
4. What systems help protect the cold chain?
This chain is supported by efficient cold-storage warehouses, accurate traceability, real-time temperature and humidity monitoring with IoT sensors, rugged devices for cold environments and temperature-controlled transport vehicles.
5. What regulations apply to the cold chain?
There’s no single global regulation for the cold chain. Instead, various industry-specific and national standards apply. One widely adopted framework is the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system, which helps ensure food safety by identifying and controlling high-risk factors such as temperature.