The phrase "cold chain" describes a system of practices and equipment used to maintain a product
within a specific low-temperature range from production or harvest through consumption. [ 1] [2] By
maintaining an uninterrupted sequence of chilled production, storage, and distribution processes,
together with supporting machinery and logistics, the safety and quality of perishable or sensitive
products, such as foods and pharmaceuticals, are preserved. [ 3] To put it another way, the term refers
to a supply chain network that uses low temperatures to ensure and extend the shelf life of goods like
fresh agricultural produce, [4] seafood, frozen food, photographic film, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.
[5] These items are used after being temporarily stored and are referred to as "cool cargo" while being
carried.[6] The term "cargo" is frequently used to describe cold chain items throughout their entire
logistical cycle since, unlike other goods or merchandise, they are constantly in motion toward their
intended purpose or destination even when being temporarily kept in cold stores.
For instance, having enough cold storage may be crucial to reducing food losses in both quantity and
quality.
The term "cold chain" refers to the set of procedures and tools used to keep a product within a
particular low-temperature range from harvest or production through consumption. [
1] [2] The safety and quality of perishable or sensitive products, such as foods and medicines, are
maintained by maintaining an uninterrupted sequence of refrigerated production, storage, and
distribution activities, along with related equipment and logistics. [
3] In other words, the term refers to a supply chain network with a low temperature that is utilized to
guarantee and lengthen the shelf life of products, such as fresh agricultural produce, [4] seafood, frozen
food, photographic film, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. [
5] These goods are referred to as "cool cargo" while they are being transported and used after
temporary storage.[6] Even while temporarily stored in cold stores, cold chain items, unlike other goods
or merchandise, are continually on the move towards their eventual use or destination and are hence
frequently referred to as "cargo" throughout their entire logistical cycle.
Adequate cold storage may be essential to preventing both quantitative and qualitative food
losses. Keeping food safe with proper cold chain storage including:
Maintaining the proper temperature range is crucial for vaccine efficacy.
Store vaccines in a vaccine refrigerator or cooler, using a thermometer to monitor
temperature.
Transport vaccines in insulated coolers, with ice packs or dry ice.
In case of a cold chain breach, report it immediately to prevent loss of vaccine
effectiveness.
1. IIR International Dictionary of Refrigeration, http://dictionary.iifiir.org/search.php
2. ^ ASHRAE Terminology, https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/free-resources/ashrae-
terminology
3. Kohli, Pawanexh. "Fruits and Vegetables Post-Harvest Care: The Basics" (PDF). CrossTree
techno-visors. Retrieved 6 April 2009.
4. Gyesley, S. W. (1991). "Total Systems Approach to Predict Shelf Life of Packaged Foods".
ASTM STP 1113-EB.
5. Lou Smyrlis (2013). "CN's Claude Mongeau preaches 'eco-system of collaboration' at Port
Days" Archived 21 September 2013 at the Wayback Machine, Canadian Transportation
Logistics, Retrieved 20 September 2013
6. ^ The State of Food and Agriculture 2019. Moving forward on food loss and waste reduction,
In brief. Rome: FAO. 2019. p. 12.
7. ^ "FRIDGE SPACE - Bibliothèque et Archives Canada".
8. ^ Jump up to:a b Smith, Jessie Carney (2012). Black Firsts: 4,000 Ground-Breaking and
Pioneering Historical Events. Visible Ink Press. p. 613. ISBN 978-1-57859-424-5.
Aquaculture industry and produce; quality and safety
