National guidelines and regulations provide recommendations on the maximum and minimum food temperatures that should be expected during transport. However, in routine logistics operations temperature variations occur due to logistic constraints or performance issues.

In a case study we measured product temperature data during the delivery of frozen, chilled and grocery goods using a multi-compartment refrigerated vehicle. Through the use of microbial growth models we estimated the growth of Pseudomonas spp and E. Coli, which are bacteria normally associated to food spoilage. This information was then used to determine the spoilage risks for perishables delivered in electronic retail-style operations.

We also have experience in the use of software to:

• Design and evaluate chilling, freezing, thawing and heating processes for foods. Coupled with predictive microbiology algorithms, the simulation of cooling and freezing processes is an alternative to evaluate spoilage risks during cooling and heating.
• Calculate refrigeration heat loads and evaluate refrigeration process alternatives. This tool can analyse the performance of existing refrigeration plants and also verify tendered designs for new plant facilities.