In the UK, roads have been used to transport foodstuffs and other goods for millennia, in effect, for as long as roads were built here. Hence, it is little surprise that, in 2022, 1.64 billion tonnes of goods were distributed by GB-registered HGVs within the UK. Of this, a considerable amount accounts for frozen and temperature-sensitive loads that require special attention during transit. When transporting frozen food, regulations ought to be front and centre to ensure that goods arrive in optimal condition.
In the interest of public health, compliance should not be an optional add-on but an imperative aspect of the supply chain that informs all processes. Stringent regulations from both the EU and the UK govern the transportation of perishable and quick-frozen food items to ensure this is always the case. Such regulations enforce various controls related to food hygiene and temperature monitoring within food storage facilities and the vehicles used for transporting edible goods.
In this short guide to frozen food legislation, we offer distributors and suppliers insights into these government-mandated regulations, including temperatures for delivery and storage considerations.
Hygiene and frozen food transportation
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) estimates that around 2.4 million cases of foodborne illness occur every year in the UK, and often as a result of patchy food safety procedures concerning the manufacture, handling, storage and distribution of edible goods. It only takes one small instance of contamination in one of these areas to create a serious food safety hazard.
Without regular checks in place and thorough hygiene controls across each step of the supply chain, organisations run the risk of passing on illnesses associated with food poisoning, salmonellosis and typhoid fever, for example, to the end consumer. Depending on the state of the individual’s immune system and risk factors such as age, this may pose a grave danger to their health.
All agents involved in the journey of frozen foods from manufacture to retail have a responsibility to protect the end consumer. Key regulations play a crucial role in maintaining food safety throughout the entire food chain, ensuring best practices from production to consumer consumption.
General food safety legislation
Before detailing the regulations for transporting frozen foods specifically, it’s important to have a well-rounded understanding of the overarching food hygiene legislation enforced in the UK. Among the numerous food transport regulations in the UK, two core examples stand out.
Regulation (EC) 852/2004 establishes general hygiene requirements for food businesses, including those in food haulage, mandating the implementation of a food safety management system based on HACCP principles. Simultaneously, it emphasises the maintenance of hygienic practices across premises, equipment, and storage.
The Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013, specific to England, necessitate regular inspections by local authorities, assigning ratings based on compliance with food safety standards. Aligned with EU provisions, these regulations encompass various aspects of food hygiene throughout the production, processing, and distribution processes.
Food transportation and the Quick Frozen Foodstuffs regulations
The Quick Frozen Foodstuffs (England) Regulations 2007 outline several requirements and conditions for the transport, storage, and handling of quick-frozen foodstuffs in England. The rules apply to all businesses that deal with products labelled as ‘Quick Frozen’ foodstuffs, including those that make, transport, store or sell them.
Monitoring and Recording Instruments
One significant component of the legislation requires the means of transport, warehousing, and storage for quick frozen foodstuffs to be equipped with recording instruments to monitor air temperature regularly.
These instruments must comply with EN 12830, EN 13485, and EN 13486 standards, with food operators required to retain documents confirming that measuring instruments conform to these rules.
Ensuring that all temperature controlled logistics systems are viable and up-to-date will not only reduce risk factors considerably, but allow for energy to be used efficiently and, thus, more sustainably.
Temperature Recording
Temperature recording of quick frozen foodstuffs should be dated and stored by the food operator for at least one year, considering the nature and shelf life of the products.
Storage and Distribution Requirements
During storage in retail display cabinets or local distribution, air temperature must be measured by at least one visible thermometer, allowing for precise and constant monitoring.
In open retail cabinets, the maximum load line must be marked, and the thermometer should indicate the temperature at the air return side at the level of that mark.
Labelling and packaging
Ensuring the proper labelling and packaging of quick frozen foodstuffs is integral to maintaining transparency, safeguarding consumer information, and preserving the quality of the products throughout the supply chain.
Products intended for direct consumption or use by caterers must include additional information on the label, such as the indication ‘Quick Frozen,’ a ‘best before’ date, maximum storage time, recommended storage temperature or equipment, and a batch or lot mark. Consumers are also advised against refreezing after defrosting.
Frozen products destined for further processing must also be labelled with ‘Quick Frozen,’ a batch or lot mark, and the name and address of the manufacturer, packer, or EU seller.
The packaging must meet stringent standards, providing protection from microbial and external contaminants and preventing dehydration, ensuring the integrity of the item until it reaches the market.
Conditions for Placing on the Market
Quick frozen foodstuffs must meet specific conditions to be placed on the market for human consumption, including:
- Suitable material quality – generally, sound, genuine, and merchantable quality raw materials fit for human consumption.
- Appropriate freezing methods – carried out swiftly with the correct technical equipment or use of authorized cryogenic mediums (air, nitrogen, or carbon dioxide).
- Consistent frozen food temperature throughout delivery – temperature of -18◦C or colder, maintained except for permitted exceptions.
Permitted Exceptions
Permitted exceptions to temperature requirements include brief periods during transport at -15◦C, and in retail display cabinets at -12◦C, consistent with good storage practice.
Enforcement
In the event that there are reasonable grounds to suspect that quick frozen foodstuffs have not been maintained at the required temperatures, a thorough inspection is mandated and carried out by specialist enforcement officers.
The procedures for such inspections are clearly outlined in the Food Law Code of Practice, along with associated Practice Guidance tailored for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
How to future-proof your frozen food distribution practices
To stay compliant and maintain the food safety standards of your goods during transportation there are many additional steps you can take, and particularly as a distributor.
- Improve frozen food delivery and storage time to reduce ‘thaw time’
- Increase the efficiency of your warehousing
- Introduce robust record keeping systems
- Regularly train staff and update their knowledge of food hygiene requirements
- Upgrade your tech and invest in high-quality equipment
- Acquire industry-approved accreditation such as BRGCS
- Outsource your distribution practices to a qualified expert
Transporting frozen food regulations: An overview
Navigating the complexities of transporting frozen food requires a comprehensive understanding of the regulations and compliance standards outlined in The Quick-frozen Foodstuffs (England) Regulations 2007.
From monitoring and recording instruments to temperature control during storage and distribution, each step in the supply chain plays a pivotal role in maintaining food safety. By adhering to these regulations, incorporating best practices, and future-proofing the distribution process, stakeholders in the frozen food industry can ensure the integrity of their products, safeguard public health, and build a resilient and sustainable cold chain logistics system.
For those seeking to outsource these challenges, get in touch with the experts at Dennis Distribution to enhance your knowledge and ensure a seamless journey of your frozen goods from manufacture to retail.