Cold Chain Temp Guide: Meat, Produce, Pharma, Dairy, Flowers

Refrigerated trailers mainly transport perishable goods. Their temperature ranges from 5℃ to -20℃. You can transport products with different temperature needs. There are single-temperature zones and multi-temperature zones. Multi-temperature zones help meet various requirements for goods. At the same time, you need to comply with FDA regulations and also have to comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) implemented in 2017. This article helps you learn how many degrees Celsius to set for a refrigerated trailer. This makes shipping easier. Failure to meet the required low temperatures can result in loss of revenue and cargo.

Temperature requirements for refrigerated goods.

The use of refrigerated trailers for the transport of goods is very common, and the law is well established.

Common products transported in refrigerated trailers include:

• Meat
• Pharmaceuticals
• Agricultural products
• Flowers

They all have different temperature requirements.

Low temperatures can slow down bacterial growth and reproduction. However, if a refrigerated trailer loses its heat absorption and insulation, it cannot kill bacteria. It will cause the goods to grow more bacteria. This can harm human health and shorten the goods’ shelf life. Before each job, you need to check the refrigeration thermostat to make sure it is not faulty.

Meat, fish, and other derivatives

Meat and other derivatives have the highest temperature requirements. This is because they can produce a lot of bacteria in response to temperature changes.

Meat is transported either chilled or frozen, depending on the purpose of the transport. During transport, it is usually in the frozen form. We will use refrigerated transport for community deliveries. This will help customers thaw the meat more easily.

Using multi-temperature refrigerated vehicles lets us transport more types of meat. This can boost both usage and revenue.

Raw Meats (Pork, Beef, Lamb):

Cryopreservation: 32°F – 36°F (0°C – 2°C)

Keep frozen: 0°F (-18°C) or lower.

If the temperature rises above 5°C, bacteria will grow faster. This increases the risk of spoilage and bacterial growth.

Poultry (chicken, duck, turkey, etc.):

Store at low temperatures: 32°F – 34°F (0°C – 1°C)

Seafood:

Temperature requirements:

Raw Fish: 32°F – 36°F (0°C – 2°C)

Frozen Fish: 0°F (-18°C) or lower

Soft Seafood: 32°F – 38°F (0°C – 3°C)

Temperature Sensitivity:

Fish and seafood are very perishable, especially raw fish. If the temperature exceeds 39°F (4°C), it may spoil quickly. Bacteria and pathogens in seafood can multiply rapidly.

Dairy.

Temperature Requirements:

Storage Temperature: 34°F – 38°F (1°C – 3°C)

Temperature Sensitivity:

Food can spoil if it stays above 40°F (4.4°C) for too long. This temperature change can cause germs to grow and harm food quality.

Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceuticals have very high temperature requirements. Vaccines, insulin, antibiotics, and hormones all have very high-temperature requirements.

Temperature Requirements: Shipping Temperature: 36°F – 46°F (2°C – 8°C)

Pharmaceuticals are sensitive to temperature. Fluctuations can make them ineffective.

Vegetables and Fruits

Vegetables:

Vegetables are very sensitive to temperature and we need to extend their shelf life and keep them fresh

Leafy greens (e.g., lettuce, spinach, kale, etc.).

Temperature requirements: 32°F – 36°F (0°C – 2°C)

Root vegetables (e.g., carrots, potatoes, beets, etc.).

Temperature Requirements:

Carrots, Beets: 32°F – 36°F (0°C – 2°C)

Potatoes: 45°F – 50°F (7°C – 10°C)

Squash vegetables (e.g. cucumbers, courgettes, etc.).

Temperature Requirements: 50°F – 54°F (10°C – 12°C)

Temperature Sensitivity:

Cucumbers do not like cold. When temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C), they soften and lose moisture.

Fruit:

Fruits need to retain not only moisture but also freshness. Prevent flavor changes and spoilage.

Frozen fruit: -1°C to 0°C

Tropical fruit: 13°C – 14.5°C

Melon fruits such as watermelon and cantaloupe: –10°C –15.5°C

Temperature requirement: 10°C – 15°C

Flowers

High temperatures can cause flowers to bloom early. They can also lead to water loss when flowers are kept in the heat. Most flowers should be transported refrigerated at temperatures between 0 °C and 4 °C.

What is the purpose of refrigerated food?

The main purpose of refrigeration is to prolong the shelf life of food and also to preserve the taste and appearance of food.

Refrigeration stops bacteria from growing. This helps keep food safe and prevents diseases in people. This is the importance of refrigerated trailers.

What happens if the trailer is not at the correct temperature?

Wrong temperature in the trailer can make the food unhealthy. It will also let bacteria grow and create a breeding ground for microorganisms.

It can also cause the food to lose its value or its original appearance. Products like flowers, for example, can be rendered useless and unappreciated.

If the vehicle is old, you may need to replace the truck or trailer body. This helps keep the insulation performance in good shape during normal operation. At the same time, in the process of transport, you need to reduce the number of times you open and close the door. It is also necessary to keep the refrigeration unit running continuously.

What kind of food can’t be transported by refrigerated trailer?

Refrigeration does not always extend the shelf life and food value of foods.

Lettuce and spinach: will discolour and soften at low temperatures and need to be transported at room temperature.

Dairy products: cannot be transported frozen and can cause clumping and freezing, or even separation.

Raw eggs: cannot be stored in the freezer, which can lead to cracked shells and increase the likelihood of bacterial infection.

Composite Box Box truck body

Choose Composite Box for your refrigerated container. We offer the best option for refrigerated trucks. Our fiberglass XPS foam boards provide great insulation and waterproofing. This helps maintain temperatures at -18°C and lowers energy use in refrigeration units. As a result, we cut carbon emissions and support a healthier environment. We also have excellent box truck bodies and trailers. We offer great box truck bodies and trailers. We’re happy to help with your refrigerated transportation needs. If you need contact to us please.

Author introduction

Hello, customers

My name is Jack Yu and I am the Business Manager of Composite Box. I have been in the business of sandwich panels, refrigerated trucks and RVs for more than 10 years. Please feel free to contact us. I am happy to provide you with the best service and products.

Email:  info@composite-box.com | Tel: 86+17280837525