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A March 26th Transport Topics article Food Safety Rules Likely to Affect Reefer Fleets, but Bigger Burden Will Hit Shippers, Experts Say written by Staff Reporter Timothy Cama is an outstanding eye opener for food manufacturers, shippers and most importantly refrigerated fleet operators. Mr. Cama did an excellent job of representing the impending influence that the Food Safety Modernization Act, with more regulations due to be published this year, will have on food handlers throughout the supply chain. The article states, “When the regulations, which have not been even proposed yet, take effect, the burden probably will be on food producers, distributors and receivers to maintain safe practices, but those parties will bring new demands to food transporters” As noted within this Transport Topics report, the transportation link in the supply chain is the most vulnerable when it comes to managing temperatures and product security, “FDA probably would require that food shippers and receivers ensure that the temperature is kept constant during the time the food is on the truck.” Because of the remote nature of rolling assets, it has been nearly impossible for fleet operators to monitor operating conditions of vehicles and perishables in transit. However, technology is now playing an intrinsic role in providing management with a “real time” view of the condition of their investments throughout the distribution process. The article further stated, “What we’re seeing now with the greater adoption of real-time monitoring solutions. If they’re seeing temperature excursions, or somebody’s opening a door where they’re not supposed to be opening a door, they can alert people and take proactive action.” The ability to receive alarms and alerts remotely regarding reefer performance is substantial in protecting food integrity with the ability for fleet operators to take immediate action. Alerts can also include security violations when trailer doors are opened in unauthorized locations. Technology, such as Cooltrax, provides real time information and remote management tools that allows for hands on supervision of goods in transit. Cooltrax reporting is also used as validation for HACCP Plan audits and regulatory inquiry. We encourage you to read Mr. Cama’s article and determine how you think the FSMA will affect your operation. The article is by subscription only. If you don’t have a subscription to the article we’d be happy to discuss it with you.
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food safety, refrigerated good, frozen food, cold chain, technology, monitoring temperature, ,
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