Food safety has always been a hot-button topic in the supply chain industry. These days geography and borders are no match for consumer demand, as specialty food produced in one corner of the planet inevitably needs to find its way to consumers in another corner.
The result is that food supply chains are more complex than ever and governed by a raft of regulations. For instance, the government of the United Kingdom has published a lengthy treatise on the importance of freezing food for transport and the standards that exporters have to follow.
Yet, accidents occur that put food safety in the spotlight. Five people in the Netherlands recently suffered from ciguatera poisoning after consuming frozen red snapper steaks processed in India, making headlines in the media.
While regulations provide exporters with some guidance, many have begun adopting technology and processes that help them assure food safety throughout the supply chain.
Data logging
Condition-related data logging has become a vital part of the supply chain, especially food. The way it works is simple. Data loggers connected to shipments monitor temperature, shock, humidity, light, and other conditions at all times.
These data are fed to centers where supply chain employees monitor the status of shipments. Cold chain temperature control is of the essence, since almost all food that is transported across continents is frozen. Each part of the supply chain poses unique challenges for cold chain transport.
For instance, last-mile operations are notoriously tough to execute because of a lack of cold chain infrastructure. Data logging provides visibility that helps companies predict and prevent possible issues with food damage. Logistics employees can analyze past data to identify possible choke points.
Logistics companies also use this data to evaluate vendor performance and design better transportation routes. For example, one vendor might perform well in colder conditions which mask their lack of infrastructure. By digging deeper into condition-related data, every stakeholder in the supply chain can make better decisions.
Typically, one might think that the shortest route between two points is a straight line. However, condition-related data helps shippers pinpoint problematic areas. For instance, every country has different customs requirements. Prior damage at a particular customs warehouse indicates a lack of cold chain technology that will increase product losses despite offering a shorter route.
Regulations and geopolitical changes are also essential points to consider when designing routes. While advanced analytics algorithms handle these processes, they rely on data gathered by loggers connected to shipments.
Manufacturers are also increasingly using data logging to monitor their storage facilities. Often, product damage originates at the warehouse, and condition monitoring helps prevent unnecessary product losses.
Insulated shipping boxes
While data logging helps supply chain stakeholders track condition-related data, insulated shipping boxes help them enforce necessary conditions. Advances in production technology have resulted in a wide range of shipping boxes that manufacturers can use.
Sustainability is a common concern in the supply chain these days, and box manufacturers offer solutions such as those made from biodegradable and compostable insulation made from recycled cotton. The insulation is wrapped in a poly film that disintegrates safely within 18 months, thus providing manufacturers with enhanced protection and sustainability.
Though less eco-friendly, polyurethane boxes offer greater protection from physical damage over longer distances. This is pertinent for goods that are routinely shipped around the world thanks to steady demand. In addition to large boxes manufacturers can opt for envelopes, smaller coolers, and so on. In short, the cold chain these days contains technology that has moved well beyond refrigerated trucks.
Some container manufacturers have taken things a step further and have transformed insulated containers into smart data gathering machines. While data loggers track individual shipments, smart containers monitor everything from conditions to container position when in transit. The result is more data for shippers to make better decisions.
Modified transport and storage operations
Despite technological advances, human error and unpredictability introduce risks into the supply chain. A shipper might have the necessary infrastructure, but there’s no allowing for one of their vehicles suffering from a flat tire that delays shipments.
The only way to mitigate these unknown risks is to prepare shipments beforehand for cold transport. Companies do this by cooling containers and shipping boxes before transport. They also monitor loading dock temperatures to make sure conditions don’t exceed safe thresholds.
Many companies are also resorting to random shipment checks to enforce cold chain regulations in addition to turning towards creative storage. For instance, a former limestone mine in Kansas has been turned into a storage facility since it lends itself well to cold storage.
Thanks to the existing underground, its temperature range is predictable, secure, and less expensive to maintain. As a result, products requiring cold chain storage are automatically safer.
Different methods, one goal
Food safety is an issue that affects everyone in the supply chain. As manufacturers and other supply chain stakeholders work to meet government regulations, technology and improved workflows are helping them ensure the food we consume is safe.
