What are the optimal transportation temperatures for common goods?
There are many industries and products that require temperature-sensitive goods. In line with this, there is a constant requirement for temperature-controlled transportation and storage. As a manufacturer, suppliers or pharmaceutical company, it is vital that you understand the optimal temperatures required. This gives you the information needed to make an educated decision on the logistics partner you choose. This blog post will explain the optimal temperatures for common goods delivered by us here at Iceotemp.
Frozen foods
Many foods are frozen to delay the onset of spoiling and prolong their life. Freezing also helps to prevent the growth of microorganisms by slowing down enzyme activity. Therefore, it is vital that businesses have the opportunity to store foods at the lowest temperatures to achieve this. Quick-frozen products, such as peas, strawberries or individual poultry items need to be kept at temperatures below -18°C. Other frozen foods should be kept at temperatures around -12°C. There is a slight tolerance allowed during transportation – approximately 3°C for very brief periods. Equally, when stored in retail cabinets, this tolerance increases to 6°C.
Chilled foods
Similar to freezing, chilling foods helps to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. The term ‘chilling’ normally means storing in a refrigerator for the longevity of its life, until the food is eaten. Many different foods are chilled from sliced meats and dairy products through to salads and soups. The recommendations for chilled food requires that it is always kept at a temperature below 8°C. One important thing to remember is that this should be the temperature of the food and not the air temperature around it.
Medicines
Alongside food, there are numerous medicines and pharmaceutical resources that should be stored in temperature-controlled environments. If this is not done correctly, they can spoil and become less effective at their job. According to the Care Quality Commission, these include insulins, antibiotic liquids and eye drops to name a few. These products should be stored at temperatures between 2°C and 8°C. There are very specific regulations set out for the storage and transportation of medicines that cover much more than just temperature. For example, the container must be secure and linked to a constant electricity source.
For many businesses, the stability of their product depends on knowing the right storage temperatures. Iceotemp are dedicated to supporting these companies, working on a daily basis to provide a secure and reliable logistics solution for manufacturers, suppliers and distributors alike. Get in contact today for more information.