Did you know how thermal qualification can guarantee the integrity of perishable foods during warehousing and transport?
Maintaining the correct temperature is not just a question of quality: it is essential to food safety, consumer trust and the reduction of waste throughout the whole cold chain.
In this article, we will explain what the processes are for the thermal control of perishable foods. Check it out!
What is thermal qualification?
Thermal qualification is a set of procedures and tests that verify whether the warehousing and transport equipment maintain perishable foods, such as fruits, meat, vegetables, milk and its derivatives at the proper temperature.
This process goes beyond just monitoring; it guarantees that each stage of the cold chain follows international quality standards for perishables.
The importance of thermal qualification in the cold chain
Thermal qualification guarantees that the perishable foods remain within the correct temperature range throughout the whole cold chain, from receiving through to final delivery.
For refrigerated foods, the ideal range generally varies between 0 °C and 5 °C, whereas for frozen products it is -18 °C or less.
Keeping the foods outside these limits may speed up the growth of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms, causing deterioration, loss of flavor, texture and nutritional value. Besides this, variations in temperature can generate ice crystals, dehydration or chemical alterations that compromise the integrity of the product.
To summarize, the benefits of monitoring the temperature of perishable foods are:
- maintenance of the quality: texture, flavor, aroma and nutrients are preserved;
- food safety: minimizes the risk of proliferation of microorganisms which may cause disease;
- reduction of waste: foods conserved correctly last longer, avoiding economic losses.
Stages of the thermal qualification process
The process involves different stages, each one being fundamental in validating the efficiency of equipment and the warehousing and transport systems.
Thermal mapping
Thermal mapping is the identification and recording of variations in temperature at different points in the trucks and the cold or freezing rooms.
Sensors and recorders are positioned strategically to monitor critical areas and identify zones of risk, guaranteeing that all the perishable foods receive uniform thermal conditions.
Performance qualification
After mapping, performance qualification of the equipment is carried out.
This stage verifies that each cold room or refrigerated vehicle is able to maintain the specified temperature for the perishable foods, even under maximum load or in different operating conditions.
The test is essential in confirming that the systems fulfill the established requirements.
Validation of equipment
The thermal validation is the last step, where the equipment undergoes rigorous tests to guarantee it is working in accordance with international safety and quality standards.
This validation provides reliable records and shows that the operation is able to protect perishable foods during the whole cycle of warehousing and transport.
Regulatory thermal qualification standards in the foods sector
There are international guidelines such as the International Food Standard (IFS), which provide guidance for the thermal qualification of equipment and processes for perishable foods.
Standards recognized by food safety organizations and international good practices define criteria for temperature control, monitoring, records and maintenance of equipment.
Following these norms guarantees regulatory compliance, safety and quality at all stages of the cold chain.
Find out about our solutions for all stages of the cold chain
We stand out as a strategic partner for companies seeking excellence in thermal qualification.
Our services cover the whole cold chain, from the thermal mapping and validation of equipment through to complete warehousing, transport and cross-docking solutions, with specialized professionals and advanced technologies.
We invest in monitoring systems in real time, IoT devices and modern infrastructure, guaranteeing that the perishable foods are protected against variation in temperature, maintaining freshness, integrity and nutritional value.
We also support the implementation of international best practices and compliance with thermal qualification standards, strengthening the reliability of the whole operation.
By choosing Emergent Cold LatAm, your operation can count on:
- safety: perishable foods conserved under ideal conditions, avoiding health risks;
- efficiency: reduction of losses and waste, with greater use of stocks at all the stages, from warehousing through to cross-docking;
- reliability: continuous monitoring and performance validation of equipment to guarantee full integrity of the products;
- leading edge technology: modern solutions which enable remote control, alerts in real time and complete management of the cold chain.
By combining professional expertise, technology and compliance with international standards, we guarantee that your cold chain will always be optimized, safe and reliable, from the warehouse through to final delivery.
