Cold Chain System Research Articles

Including the reefer chain into genuine beef cold chain architecture based on blockchain technology

Improving the cold chain system for perishable foods would both increase food safety by maintaining quality and reduce business operation costs by minimizing food loss from inappropriate management. This has led to various attempts to apply blockchain technology (BCT) to the food cold chain, such as IBM's FoodTrust and Alibaba's Food Trust Frameworks. This system is expected to guarantee food traceability and sustainability. In this research, we focused on the importance of maritime and aviation transportation in the entire supply chain, and we established the BCT-based beef cold chain system, which includes the reefer chain. Specifically, we raised the monitoring and physical infrastructure issues at the port (or airport) and maritime (aviation) transportation node and took these into consideration. Additionally, we conducted scenario analysis to investigate the effects of the suggested system. The amount of food losses and the associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are calculated by different scenarios in accordance with the recall recovery time and node where a recall occurrence is recognized. For both import and export models, when the proposed BCT-based beef cold chain platform is applied, the number of discarded reefer containers and the associated GHG emissions go down by 42.1% and 21.8%, respectively. Interestingly, when we assumed the recall recognition stage was right after the defects occur, the largest effects of improving performance of the proposed platform were 48.3% in import (IM) node of the port level. These results will provide a needed solution for cold chain management at the government level and affirms the essential role of the port/airport in the cold chain.

Cold chain logistics model of agricultural products based on embedded system and blockchain

This paper uses the Internet of Things and blockchain-related technologies to combine computer technology to develop a real-time monitoring system for cold chain logistics. The system can grasp the real-time dynamics of the cold chain environment of agricultural products and control them according to the dynamic conditions, which eliminates the blind spots in the cold chain logistics process and also guarantees the quality and safety of fresh agricultural products. This paper optimizes the internal resources of the blockchain system model, proposes an optimization algorithm, and combines the blockchain technology to construct a cold chain logistics model for agricultural products to obtain an embedded cold chain system. Finally, this paper designs an experiment to verify the performance of the system. According to the results of experimental research, the cold chain logistics system of agricultural products based on embedded system and blockchain constructed in this paper can effectively improve the transportation efficiency of agricultural products, and it also has a certain auxiliary effect on the monitoring of agricultural logistics transportation.

Application of Cold-Chain Logistics and Distribution Systems Using Deliver Schedule Management

Cold chain logistic firms have been motivated to decrease overall operating costs and carbon emissions to capture economic edge and maintain profitability by intense competition and financial energy requirements. C Our analysis develops a model cold-chain logistic and distribution system (CC-LDS) for logistics and transport firms working together to manufacture chilled and frozen goods by introducing carbon tax policies. The CC-LDS model provides a logistics and transport network. Virtual annealing (VA) algorithm for optimising the model is implemented based on actual customer information from multiple cold storage firms and 30 clients. The findings suggest that the second derivative is optimal compared to the individual distribution to slash overall expense and carbon pollution. The net cost is strongly associated with the cost of carbon, and energy consumption is similar to the price of carbon grows. Moreover, carbon caps have little effect on the direction of distribution.To best leverage social and technological capital to accomplish equal financial and ecological gains.

An intelligent green vehicle management system for urban food reliably delivery:A case study of Shanghai, China

Efficient and trustable food delivery systems have a great impact on our daily life. Considering environmental protection, Electric Cold-chain Vehicle (ECV) has been adopted to support the food delivery system in urban area. However, the drivers of ECV has the motivation to power off the refrigerator for saving electricity, which would lead to the food safety issue. Driven by this, we proposed a novel blockchain-based Electric Cold-chain Delivery System (BECDS) and concentrated on the EV charging and scheduling problem in the distribution network. In terms of methodology innovation, the Dynamic charging and service schedule model (DCSSM) is proposed based on the multi-agent-based simulation. Meanwhile, Internet of Things (IOT) devices are used to monitor the environment data of food, which would be recorded in the blockchain. Furthermore, this paper carries out numerical experiments to verify the feasibility of this system via realistic data. Interestingly, the result shows that the new cold-chain delivery system could serve retailers more efficiently with zero emissions. Hence, this paper could broaden and defined a promising green and digital urban food delivery prototype in the future.

Digitalization of Pharmaceutical Cold Chain Systems using IoT Digital Enabler

Compared to the other classic supply chain, the pharmaceutical supply chain has many critical challenges, such as cold chain transportation, temperature monitoring, long lead time, and counterfeiting prevention. Pharmaceutical products, such as medicines, drugs, vaccines, and specialty treatments, work as intended within a specific specified temperature. Below +25°C (controlled temperature), +2°C to +8°C (temperature-sensitive products), -20 °C to -40 °C (negative temperature), and -70 °C (ultra-low temperature) are some of the precise and regulated storage thresholds for various types of pharmaceutical products. The cold chain includes production, transport, and storage. It requires a reliable infrastructure to maintain a precise temperature when transporting from manufacturers to patients. This multiple qualitative case study aimed to investigate the role of the Internet of Things (IoT) in the pharmaceutical cold chain. The study involved interviewing various pharmaceutical managers with proven digital strategies for implementing IoT-based digital enablers. The theory of constraint was used as the conceptual framework for this qualitative multiple case study. Data from interviews and supporting documents were analyzed using data triangulation to discover themes. Two main themes emerged from data analysis: (a) Known or unknown constraints in the current cold chain system and (b) implementation of IoT-based digital enablers. Six key strategies were developed pertain to these two themes.

Internet of Things enabled real time cold chain monitoring in a container port

Abstract Purpose Seaports are regarded as significant actors in global logistics and supply chains since a large part of the cargoes carried over the globe are being processed there. When the cold chain broken down during transport and storage in the ports, the humidity, nutrition, temperature and time conditions to be required for the growth of the bacteria occur, and rapid reproduction occurs and the properties of the products are rapidly deteriorating. It is imperative that especially medicines, some chemical substances and foodstuffs need to be transported without breaking the cold chain in the logistics. The monitoring and control of the temperature and humidity level is important in the time period between the loading of these containers in special areas in ports, the loading of freight in open areas, or the loading of freight on roads and railway carriages. For this reason, precise monitoring and control of the system is vital in the port logistics management. Method In this study, an IoT-enabled system is designed for Container Ports by developing software, interface and equipment that will enable remote monitoring of temperature, humidity and other necessary key status parameters. Findings The developed IoT-based system provides audible and visual warning, e-mail and SMS communication, similar to a monitoring screen such as a heart graph monitor, when the instant values of the refrigerated container are transmitted to the database, when the defined upper and lower values are approached. All these data and major change information are archived in the database and retrospective situation analysis and data analysis can be performed. Conclusion Using technologies such as Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) and RFID, an IoT-enabled Cold Chain Logistics system has been proposed that provides real-time monitoring of products in containers at ports, providing DS services to logistics providers and customers. In this context, it was explained how the ambient parameter values were collected in real time using WSN and IEEE 802.15.4, how the collected data was sent to the server via the GSM gateway. In the port scenario, activation devices such as IEEE 802.15.4 and RFID were modeled using the OPNET simulator. The developed model was carried out in accordance with the principles of EPCglobal Gen 2. With the proposed approach, smart solutions provide a smarter flow of information. The results show that IoT- enabled cold chain systems have a great potential for managing, monitoring, receiving and determining abnormal events related to temperature-sensitive products in real time.

Risk Factor Assessment of the Smallholder Baby Vegetable Production in Eswatini

The transition from subsistence to commercial production poses uncertainty and risks that require putting in place adaptive systems. Such systems are imperative for agricultural production where weather and food markets are always changing. Disregarding risk factors has a cumulative negative impact on the intended outcomes. The marginality of smallholder farmers’ operational environment renders them limited to strive without government interventions. Research has proven that smallholder farmers face numerous challenges in vegetable value chains. The study sought to identify and characterise smallholder growers risk factors when producing for this value chain. A sequential mixed-method research design was adopted, and data collected from fifty-eight growers from three producer groups in the Manzini and Hhohho regions. Discriminant analysis validated the heterogeneity of respondents using the experience on risk factors. The growers were significantly affected by market and production risks. The clustered growers had a high probability of losses in the value of the harvest whereas the private growers had a high probability of yield changes. Fruit size and postharvest handling contributed to changes in the value of the harvest. An improved cold chain system could enable symmetry in the harvest scheduling and grade information as well as prompt payments. Interventions toward enabling access and use of quality farm inputs would curb yield variations. Future research could quantify yield losses at each stage of postharvest handling toward informing the risk management strategy.

Assessment on cold chain management system in selected blocks of Purulia district, West Bengal, India

Background: The study was done to assess the status of cold chain point, vaccine storage practice and practice of health workers about immunization activities at cold chain points. The aim was to evaluate the cold chain system in relation to infrastructure, manpower and maintenance of equipment in selected blocks of Purulia district.Methods:It was a cross sectional descriptive study, done at randomly selected sites where vaccines were stored and outreach sessions where immunization services were provided. Five cold chain points were included in the study. Fully structured standardized checklists and questionnaire had been used to collect the data.Results: Only 40% cold chain point (CCP) reported breakdown of cold chain equipment (CCE) in last one year. Ice lined refrigerator (ILR) and deep freezer (DF) were properly placed in 75% of the CCP. All the CCP have displayed contingency plans and latest standard job aids. Vaccines and ice packs were correctly placed. ILR and DF were connected to functional voltage stabilizer. A functional thermometer was placed inside every ILR and DF and twice daily recording of temperature was found in all the CCPs. Record of vaccine wastage was found only in 40% CCPs. CCPs have adequate space for conditioning. No frozen vaccine and vaccine vial beyond expiry date were found in any of the CCPs. All CC handlers had satisfactory knowledge about cold chain management.Conclusions:This study was an effort to assess the status of cold chain points in Purulia district, West Bengal. Overall result was satisfactory, could have been maintained and further improve in future by good supportive supervision practice as a key measure in improvement of cold chain system.

Investigation of a Cluster of Immunization Stress-Related Reactions after Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccination, Thailand, 2021.

On 28 April 2021, the investigation team of the Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, was notified of a cluster of people developing neurological symptoms following COVID-19 vaccination in a province in eastern Thailand. We conducted an investigation from 29 April to 20 May 2021 to confirm the outbreak, describe the epidemiological characteristics and identify possible risk factors. A matched case-control study was conducted. Matching factors were gender and vaccination site. A confirmed case was a person receiving COVID-19 vaccination in the province and developed at least one neurological symptom between 21 April and 20 May 2021. The rapid assessment of the vaccination cold chain system was carried out. We found a total of 36 cases out of 3920 vaccinees (attack rate = 0.92%), all cases were recovered and classified as an immunization stress-related reaction (ISRR) by the National AEFI Expert Committee. An analytic study found that menstruation was significantly associated with ISRR (AOR = 6.84 [95%CI = 1.09–42.91]). The environmental survey suggested that the cold chain system was properly managed. Further studies on other precipitating causes of ISRR should be performed. In terms of recommendation, health providers should pay greater attention to women menstruating during and after COVID-19 immunization.

Food cold chain management improvement: A conjoint analysis on COVID-19 and food cold chain systems

Cold chains are effective in maintaining food quality and reducing food losses, especially for long-distance international food commerce. Several recent reports have demonstrated that frozen foods are serving as carriers of SARS-CoV-2 and transmitting the virus from one place to another without any human-to-human contact. This finding highlights significant difficulties facing efforts to control the spread of COVID-19 and reveal a transmission mechanism that may have substantially worsened the global pandemic. Traditional food cold chain management practices do not include specific procedures related to SARS-CoV-2-related environmental control and information warnings; therefore, such procedures are urgently needed to allow food to be safely transported without transmitting SARS-CoV-2. In this study, a conjoint analysis of COVID-19 and food cold chain systems was performed, and the results of this analysis were used to develop an improved food cold chain management system utilizing internet of things (IoT) and blockchain technology. First, 45 COVID-19-related food cold chain incidents in China, primarily involving frozen meat and frozen aquatic products, were summarized. Critical food cold chain control points related to COVID-19 were analyzed, including temperature and cold chain requirements. A conceptual system structure to improve food cold chain management, including information sensing, chain linking and credible tracing, was proposed. Finally, a prototype system, which consisted of cold chain environment monitoring equipment, a cold chain blockchain platform, and a food chain management system, was developed. The system includes: 1) a defining characteristic of the newly developed food cold chain system presented here is the use of IoT technology to enhance real-time environmental information sensing capacity; 2) a hybrid data storage mechanism consisting of off-chain and on-chain systems was applied to enhance data security, and smart contracts were used to establish warning levels for food cold chain incidents; and 3) a hypothetical food cold chain failure scenario demonstration in which information collection, intelligent decision making, and cold chain tracing were integrated and automatically generated for decision-making. By integrating existing technologies and approaches, our study provides a novel solution to improve traditional food cold chain management and thus meet the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Although our system has been shown to be effective, subsequent studies are still required to develop precise risk evaluation models for SARs-CoV-2 in food cold chains and more precisely control the entire process. By ensuring food safety and reliable traceability, our system could also contribute to the formulation of appropriate mechanisms for international cooperation and minimize the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on international food commerce.

Proposed treatment of COVID -19 infection in poor resource setting – the use of medicinal extract from sunflower seed (Helianthus annuus seed)

Coronavirus disease (COVID 19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention. In addition, older people and those with underlying medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetics, chronic respiratory disease and cancer are prone to develop severe illnesses. However, anyone can get sick with COVID 19 and become seriously ill or die at any age. With the emergence of the third wave of COVID -19 infections with a wide range of morbidities and mortalities globally, it is quite worrisome that not everyone adheres to some of these interventions especially the preventive protocols as recommended by the Centre for Disease Control (CDC).Furthermore, vaccines and some drugs alike have given a glimpse of hope in the prevention, slowing down of the progress of the disease condition and reducing the mortalities from COVID -19 infections. Exploring the medicinal extract from Sunflower seed (Helianthus annuus seed) with myriad of medical qualities, including inherent immune properties, antioxidant, antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, anti-diabetic and wound healing properties could be a wonder drug in the treatment of COVID -19 infection with a great advantage even in pregnancy where vaccination is indicated after meticulous, evidence based research at the global level. Sunflower seed (extracts) can be stored in room temperature compared with vaccines that require cold chain system for storage. Based on reviews of literature and proposed evaluation and treatment in poor resource settings, recommendations can be deduced from this manuscript as a follow-up for further research work on the subject the first stage of this publication.

24/7 Cold Chain Management System by Primary Health Care Corporation to support the National COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Program

Background: Across the world, the COVID-19 pandemic is causing unprecedented human and economic losses. The availability of safe and effective vaccines against the virus is instrumental in saving lives. Supply chain readiness is key to efficiently deliver vaccines to the target populations.1 To control temperature excursions and equipment breakdowns with an upgraded cold chain system with the latest technology suitable in a hot country are challenging. Methods: Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) institutionalized a continuous temperature monitoring system using a specific Temperature Monitoring Device (TMD) called a Digital Data Logger (DDL) mounted on cold chain medical equipment like pharmaceutical refrigerators, freezers, and the pre-qualified iceboxes of the World Health Organization (WHO). The DDL devices were affixed to the medical equipment to monitor the temperature and are supported by sound alarm when there are temperature excursions. Results: PHCC Cold Chain Management Ecosystem (Figure 1) involves vaccine vials stored in pharmaceutical refrigerators with a temperature range between 2°C to 8°C and freezers with a temperature range between -10°C to -30°C and WHO prequalified iceboxes for short periods of transportation.2 The DDL has a set point temperature measuring limit, measuring interval, and delay time (Table 1) defined for temperature monitoring.3 PHCC Bio-Medical Engineering Department has successfully institutionalized a 24-hour/7 day a week Cold Chain Management System across 27 PHCC health centers. Moreover, a Cold Chain Management System was arranged in an offsite facility within a short period of 72 hours at the Qatar National Convention Centre where the Covid-19 Mass Vaccination Program administered 650,000 doses over 4 months with Zero Wastage of Vaccines attributed to any temperature excursions. Conclusion: PHCC can rapidly deliver healthcare cold chain management solutions under any circumstances. To leverage economies of scale and utilize emerging technology, PHCC has envisioned a plan to migrate the cold chain medical equipment 24/7 temperature monitoring based on cloud services in 2022.

Compression-assisted absorption refrigeration using ocean thermal energy

Renewable ocean energy is regarded as an attractive candidate resource for the development of maritime cold chain systems. To meet the refrigeration requirement of seafood freezing and preservation storage, this study proposes two-type compression-assisted ammonia-water absorption refrigeration cycles using ocean thermal energy. The effects of intermediate pressure on the exergy efficiency and primary energy rate ratio are analyzed and discussed. Moreover, the role of the heat source and sink temperatures on the primary energy rate ratio was examined. The results indicated that the absorption refrigeration system with a compressor in the low-pressure stage has a higher exergy efficiency and a higher primary energy rate ratio than the corresponding compressor in the high-pressure stage. For a warm seawater temperature of 29 °C and cold seawater temperature of 8 °C, the low-pressure compression-assisted refrigeration cycle is the best solution with an exergy efficiency up to 0.284, and the optimal primary energy rate ratio equals 1.392. Furthermore, a higher primary energy rate ratio can be realized by increasing warm seawater temperature or reducing cold seawater temperature.

The impact of COVID-19 on consumers' eating and purchasing habits of agricultural products in China: key determinants and policy implications

BackgroundThe study looks at a changed in consumer’s eating and purchasing habits during COVID-19 period. There are several modes of transmission but transmission through food as being speculated is one area that has not been confirmed through research. The study, therefore, looks at how speculations about COVID-19 spreading through food has affected consumers' eating and purchasing habits. This study through probit model analysed how consumers' eating and purchasing habits have been influenced.ResultsThe result shows that age, gender and education have negatively influenced consumer’s eating and purchasing habits during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to pre-pandemic period. The preference for imported food items, preference for frozen food, been infected or knowing someone who has been infected by the virus, and been infected through agricultural source or knowing someone who has been infected by the COVID-19 through agricultural source have negatively affected consumers' eating and purchasing habits compared to pre-pandemic period. The result, however, suggests that consumers who trust in the cold-chain food systems ability to limit the spread of the COVID-19 still maintain a positive eating and purchasing habits.ConclusionsThe study provides evidence on the impact of COVID-19 on consumer’s eating and purchasing habits. Therefore, there is the need to institute proper sanitary measures, especially at cold-chain food systems to help curb the spread and also boost consumers’ confidence.

Metal organic framework encapsulated tamavidin-Gluc reporter: application in COVID-19 spike antigen bioluminescent immunoassay.

Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is one of the most utilized serological methods to diagnose and identify etiologic agents of many infectious diseases and other physiologically important analytes. ELISA can be used either alone or adjunct to other diagnostic methods such as molecular arrays, and other serological techniques. Most ELISA assays utilize reagents that are proteinaceous in nature, which are not very stable and require cold-chain transport systems. Development of a desirable immunoassay requires stability of reagents used and its ability to be stored at room temperature without sacrificing the activity of the reagents or the protein of interest. Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are a rapidly emerging and evolving class of porous polymeric materials used in a variety of biosensor applications. In this study, we introduce the use of MOFs to stabilize a universal reporter fusion protein, specifically, avidin-like protein (Tam-avidin2) and the small bioluminescent protein Gaussia luciferase (Gluc) forming the fusion reporter, tamavidin2-Gluc (TA2-Gluc). This fusion protein serves as a universal reporter for any assays that utilize biotin-avidin binding strategy. Using SARS-CoV2 S1 spike antigen as the model target antigen, we demonstrated that encapsulation of TA2-Gluc fusion protein using a nano-porous material, zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8), allows us to store and preserve this reporter protein at room temperature for over 6 months and use it as a reporter for an ELISA assay. Our optimized assay was validated demonstrating a 0.26 μg mL-1 limit of detection, high reproducibility of assay over days, detection of spiked non-virulent SARS-COV2 pseudovirus in real sample matrix, and detection in real COVID-19 infected individuals. This result can lead to the utilization of our TA2-Gluc fusion protein reporter with other assays and potentially in diagnostic technologies in a point-of-care setting.

Histamine Fish Poisoning (HFP) in Indonesia: Current status and challenges

Histamine fish poisoning (HFP) is one of many global food safety issues experienced by fish industries in both developed and developing countries, in which temperature abuse and mishandling during processing, storage, and distribution were identified as the main sources of histamine formation and accumulation in the products. In Indonesia, official reports on HFP are limited, however, mass media documented HFP cases and outbreaks which occurred every year, from different regions of Indonesia. The Scombroid fish, including Bullet and Frigate Tuna locally named asTongkol(Auxis rochei, A. thazard), was reported as the main food vehicle causing the majority of HFP cases. The maximum allowable level of histamine for fresh and processed fish marketed in Indonesia is 100 mg/kg, except for fresh tuna for sashimi (50 mg/kg), based on Indonesian National Standard (SNI). The results from official control and monitoring programs by Indonesian’s government as well as published studies reported the presence of elevated levels of histamine in fish sold at domestic markets, hence implementing the cold-chain system during post-harvest stages is still a challenge. Evaluation of the current national requirement for histamine testing for fish products also important, to ensure product safety prior to consumption.

Overview of The Vaccine Cold Chain System in Five Semarang City Health Centers

<p>Immunization is an effort to reduce morbidity rate, mortality rate, and birth defects in children. It is either a regular or supplemental program for PD3I or vaccine-preventable diseases such as TB, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B, polio, and rubella. An infant ideally receives a complete basic vaccine which consists of one dosage of BCG, three dosages of DPT, four dosages of Polio, three dosages of HB, and one dosage of MR. The immunization program is said to be effective and able to decrease the disease when the implementation is well completed and the immunization service quality is guaranteed based on the standard, especially the implementation of vaccine cold chain. The aim of this study is to investigate the condition of vaccine cold chain equipment at five community health centers in Semarang city.</p><p>It was an observational descriptive research with a cross-sectional design conducted in five community health centers in Semarang city. The sampling technique used in this research was consecutive sampling. The respondents consisted of 5 vaccine managers at the community health center. The data were collected through a questionnaire which was then analyzed by using univariate analysis. It was found that most of the respondents (80.0%) did not provide a cold room in its building. Few respondents (40%) said that they provided the national standardized (SNI) and WHO’s Performance Quality and Safety (PQS) standardized vaccine refrigerator. Meanwhile, only 20% of the respondents stated that they provided the national standardized (SNI) and PQS standardized vaccine freezer. On the other hand, 60% of respondents explained that the tape on the thermostat vaccine refrigerator/freezer was already installed. The same result also happened in which 60% of respondents also explained that they provided Indonesian national standardized (SNI) and PQS standardized disposable or reusable cold packs. Further, 100% of respondents stated that they provided either vaccine carriers to carry out the vaccine to the immunization service site, cold packs and dry ice in the cold pack, or VVM as the temperature indicator such as thermometer and temperature record chart. It is expected that each health center has a refrigerator/ freezer vaccine according to SNI and PQS from WHO</p>

Thermic Characteristics Of Rice Husk And Polyurethane Composite Materias As Insulation In Fish Cold Storage


 
 
 
 The process of freezing fish always requires a cooler as a temporary storage place for fish. The ability of the storage to maintain cold temperatures is a serious problem to be considered so that the freshness of the fish can be maintained. Therefore, an appropriate technology is required to support the cold chain system so that fish quality can be maintained. The purpose of this study was to test the thermal conductivity of composite materials for fish storage insulation from a mixture of rice husks and polyurethane so that the price of the box can be reduced but still maintain the quality of the fish. The composition of the composite material was made with a volume ratio of 1:0.5, 1:1, 1:1.5, and 1:2. The thermal conductivity test of the material uses the ASTM E1225-99 standard. All test results were compared with 100% polyurethane material. The results of testing the thermal conductivity of 100% polyurethane material obtained 0.023 W/m.C. From all the test results, the material that is most likely to be applied to fish cooler box insulation is a 1:1 composition having a thermal conductivity value of 0.067W/m.C. Materials with this composition do not affect the expansion of the polyol and isocyanate reactions. This composition is the most economical to be used as insulation for fish storage boxes which can save the use of polyurethane by 50%.
 
 
 

Characterization of cooling equipment in the food industry: Case study of the Colombian meat, dairy, and fruit and vegetable sectors

The food industry contributes to environmental impacts through the intensive use of energy. Therefore, it is important to understand the characteristics of cooling systems as a material service to develop strategies to decrease their environmental impacts and improve productivity. This study analyses three food sectors in Colombia that use refrigerant systems based on the requirements of the quality, processing and preservation of products and material service in emerging economies, where it is important to determine the baseline technology level and identify beneficial system innovations. This paper provides an overview of the value chains, production levels and trends, cooling systems, material services and maintenance processes for three sectors using qualitative and quantitative methods and different knowledge sources, including a survey and previous studies related to refrigeration in the food industry. The results show that the infrastructure most used is a cold chamber or cold storage, followed by refrigerators and the equipment used in the refrigeration systems, including compressors, condensers, evaporators and, to a lesser extent, chillers, on which preventive and corrective maintenance is performed every three to four months. The equipment and accessories largely come from the United States, Europe and China, and purchasing decisions are based on price. The results also indicate that it is important that decision makers in these three sectors increase their awareness and knowledge of cooling equipment and its environmental impacts with the aim of improving productivity and decreasing pollution. In particular, material services that require resources such as energy and other materials should be more environmentally friendly. Based on these findings, the government could design different instruments for technological change. The majority of cooling systems in the three sectors have been in operation for over 10 years. Thus, in a country where agricultural diversity and export capacity are key contributors to development and economic growth in rural areas, strategies to implement cold chain systems that are less polluting and more productive are essential. The findings of this study are important for establishing actions for change and technology transfer and promoting the modernization of the agricultural market through exports. It is important to ensure an effective cold chain utilizing environmentally friendly and efficient refrigeration systems, which may provide access to new markets for natural and fresh food products.

IDENTIFIKASI PROSES PENGOLAHAN DAN KARAKTERISASI MUTU TUNA SIRIP KUNING (THUNNUS ALBACARES) LOIN BEKU

Yellowfin tuna has high economic value. Frozen tuna loin processing was observed and characterized its quality from raw material to finished product to deepen comprehensive understanding of the process. The aims of this research to determine the frozen tuna loin processing flow, to determine the application of the cold chain system, to calculate the yield of frozen tuna loin, and to determine the quality of raw materials and frozen tuna loin final products. The research method was conducted by observation and direct involvement during processing. This research found that processing fresh tuna into frozen tuna loin includes no less than twenty stages, from receiving raw materials to loading products for sale. The cold chain system has been implemented well because the fish temperature is always below 4 oC. The yield of frozen tuna loin processing has reached the company’s standard, which is above 50%. The organoleptic value of raw material was 8, and the final product organoleptic was also 8. The histamine test showed that tuna histamine levels were low, complied the company’s standard (< 17 ppm). The microbiology tests of raw material and final product including ALT, E. coli, and Salmonella test were less than 5×105 colonies/gram, < 3 APM/g, and negative. Keywords: Cold Chain; Frozen Loin; Quality; Tuna Processing; Yield