Abstract

In recent years, the chilled food sector has been the fastest growing area of the Western food market, with sales increasing by 5% per annum in some countries. There has been an increase in the distance between areas of production and major areas of consumption of food which has meant a greater reliance on transport and distribution. Data from Irish, U.K. and some international literature have shown some need for concern regarding temperature control at the transport, retail and consumer levels. This research project was devised with the following objectives: 1. To examine the literature in relation to chilled food and the chilled food chain. 2. To interview representatives o f companies involved in the distribution and retail sale o f chilled foods with regard to handling o f chilled foods for the purpose of ascertaining company policy. 3. To measure air temperatures, between-pack temperatures, product temperatures and relative humidity at a sample of distribution premises and retail outlets. 4. To compare and evaluate observed temperature measurements and practices with stated company policies. 5. To compare observed practices with refrigeration company recommendations. 6 To devise a Code of Practice in relation to temperature control, based on the results found. Visits were made to a range of distribution and retail premises where measurements of air temperature, between-pack temperature and relative humidity were taken. Observations were made on the handling of chilled foods. The results showed a wide variation within each supermarket and also between supermarkets. The proportion of measurements which exceeded the reference temperature of 3°C varied, but in some cabinets 100% of measurements exceeded 3°C. There was a significant number of measurements at high temperatures, up to 18°C. Relative humidity readings were also quite variable. Some deficiency in company policies was noted. The results show that concern about temperature abuse in the chilled food chain in Ireland would certainly justify the formulation of a Code of Practice.