With the European edible oil market forecast to achieve a growing CAGR of 5.7%, organic edible oils are more sought after than ever.
The consumption of edible oils and fats increases year on year. Unsurprisingly, the growing demand for edible oils is coupled with a greater demand for bulk liquid food transportation. More edible oil tankers are needed to safely and efficiently transport products from suppliers to clients, and this requires a specialist provider working to the highest food safety standards. As such, edible oil tanker transport requires close management to see the product arrive in pristine condition.
Edible oils vs non edible oils, what are the differences?
Structurally, fats and oils can be described as organic compounds comprised of glycerol linked to three fatty acids. These latter components provide the functionality frequently associated with fats and oils, their ability to change states under different temperatures.
Edible oils
Edible oils are based on organic (usually vegetable) sources which are suitable for human consumption. The most popularly used in recent years have been oils cited with more potent health benefits such as soybean oil and those enjoyed by the vegan population, including sunflower oil.
Edible oils usually possess nutritional value, do not require any chemical processing and are mostly used for food-based applications such as cooking and bakery, on both an industrial and personal scale. As a result of this, they need to be transported in hygienic, food-safe conditions.
Non-edible oils
In contrast, non-edible oils are associated with industrial demands and frequently need chemical processing before usage. There are several vegetable oils in addition to petroleum that are not suitable for human consumption.
Requirements for edible oil tanker transport
While edible oils and fats are not considered dangerous substances to transport, there are many other considerations at play. As edible oils are classified as perishable foodstuff products, stringent measures for food safety during transportation must be undertaken to ensure that no deterioration can occur.
Avoiding deterioration
Deterioration occurs when the product is compromised by poor quality control and can be broken down into the following categories.
Oxidation
If the product comes into contact with oxygen, it could seriously reduce the quality of the product.
Hydrolysis
In unhygienic tankers the product can hydrolyse, meaning that the oils and fats break down into fatty acids – a process that renders the substance unusable for cooking purposes.
Contamination
If the tanker is not cleaned properly between uses or loaded or unloaded incorrectly the product can be contaminated.
Physical tanker requirements
Edible oil tankers have numerous physical requirements. Firstly, they should be made from a food-safe material such as stainless and mild steel, and fitted with approved food-safe ancillary equipment.
Internal tanker cleaning should be carried out by an approved contractor to EFTCO (European Federation of Tank Cleaning Organisations) standard and a certificate issued to guarantee quality standard.
Temperature control and edible oil tanker transport
Cold chain logistics are essential when it comes to the modern distribution of edible oils and other perishable products. This method of quality control involves transporting goods at controlled temperatures, both hot and cold, to aid manufacturing efficiency.
As the functionality of fats and oils in foodstuff differs from product to product, so does the temperature required for transportation. Holding temperature and tracking location throughout the journey helps maintain the condition of the product and protect it from harmful microorganisms.
Temperature control to improve productivity
Temperature control also possesses added benefits. For example, cooking fats for bakery products are delivered at a specific temperature that allows them to be mixed on delivery, ready for immediate use. Hence, saving time, money and food waste for the client.
Learn more about the best practices for the bulk transportation of perishables on our specialist blog.