Food Safety and Temperature-Controlled Transportation - February 18th Idealease Safety Bulletin

1. 
   
   Proper packaging is essential. Packaging should be crush-proof, have solid sides for frozen products and vented sides for fresh products.
2. Pre-cool and store cargo at the desired temperature to remove heat. Confirm product is at the desired temperature before loading. Refrigeration units are designed to maintained temperature, not change it.
3. Run reefer unit 20 minutes in “high speed cool.” To remove residual trailer/body heat. Perform an automatic “pre-trip” to confirm the proper unit operation. Unit MUST pass the test.
4. Set the unit controller to the desired temperature. Verify the setting after changing it to confirm that it is correct.
5. Verify the correct mode of operation. Frozen products are typically transported in auto-stop-start (Cycle-Sentry) to conserve fuel. But this setting can reduce the shelf life or ruin an entire load of produce like fresh fruits and vegetables. For these products, it is recommended to operate the unit in “Continuous Run.”
6. Pre-cool trailer/truck body. Operate the unit to the desired temperature to remove residual heat.
7. Turn unit “OFF” while loading. To minimize heat & humidity entering the trailer/truck body and verify the product is at the proper temperature.
8. Load product quickly and efficiently. Provide adequate air circulation around and through the entire load.
9.  Close the doors and start the unit. Re-confirm Continuous Run or Auto-start- stop operating modes and temperature setpoint are correct. When compartment temperature is below 40°F, initiate a defrost cycle. This will help clear the evaporator coil and ensure maximum cooling performance.
10.  Strip curtains. Are always recommended in the distribution of the temperature-controlled product. Keeping conditioned air in and outside air out.
11.  Door openings. Minimize the number of door openings and their duration. Ambient air migrates in, and trailer/body air migrates out.
12.  Proper airflow is CRITICAL. Poor air distribution causes product deterioration, even with adequate unit capacity. Obstructions cause poor airflow and product hot spots. Proper air circulation is allowed unobstructed paths on all 6 sides of a load.

Four Key Factors of Suitable Airflow

1. Use three-way block pallets to help provide adequate airflow. Do not obstruct the floor under the cargo. It prevents air from returning to the unit. Slip sheets and had stacking are not optimal for temperature management.
2. Inside of the trailer/body must be clean to prevent contamination and blocked airflow:

• T-floor must be free of obstructions
• Debris can block air circulation
• Debris can be pulled into the unit, resulting in insufficient cooling
• Use loading patterns that provide adequate airspace.

3. Exercise caution! Provide adequate space between the top of the cargo and the ceiling. Products should be loaded evenly to avoid airflow restrictions.
4. Do not block the unit evaporator air inlet (return air). Do not load product tight against the unit, walls, or doors.

How to Ensure a Clean Temperature-Controlled Compartment

At the end of each day, select an area free of environmental concerns for cleaning the inside of the trailer/truck body. Start by opening the doors of the refrigerated compartment and removing any items that should not get wet. Sweep out debris or blow out the compartment with an air hose after carefully clearing any and all debris (paper, plastic wrap) from the compartment and inspecting the evaporator housing to remove any debris.

When needed…

1. Prepare a bucket of food-grade detergent and water.
2. Scrub all interior surfaces with a clean cloth and detergent/water mix.
3. Use a water hose to spray the inside compartment. Make sure to spray the ceiling and walls as well as the floor. Give special attention to cracks, crevices, and areas near door openings and pockets. All cleaning should follow a “top first, bottom last” approach.
4. Allow the inside compartment to air dry.
5. Shut doors and/or take other steps, as necessary, to keep your vehicle clean. Always ensure no debris is left in the compartment at the end of your day.
6. When dirty, wash the outside of the truck.