Food transportation is a very large part of the TSL industry. Every day a lot of transport of food products is carried out, both on domestic and international routes. At the same time, this sector is extremely demanding in terms of logistics and applicable requirements. Find out what sanitary conditions and standards must be met when transporting foodstuffs.
Transportation of foodstuffs – what should be taken care of?
Food is a specific commodity, the quality of which can affect the health and lives of consumers. Therefore, it is important to properly organize the transportation of this type of cargo. With foodstuffs, it is particularly important to take into account:
- timely completion of transportation and no delays,
- safe loading, securing the cargo and unloading,
- ensuring proper documentation and compliance with applicable regulations,
- matching the appropriate mode of transportation to the type of products being transported.
Meeting all these conditions requires excellent work organization, experience, as well as efficient management of the entire logistics process. Transportation may require the involvement of a tanker, a special type of semi-trailer or refrigerated truck, and the need to involve many people.
Food transportation and sanitary and legal requirements
One of the most important aspects in the transportation of food products is sanitary issues and permits. Here it is necessary to keep in mind not only national regulations, but also the laws of the Community or countries outside the European Union, if that is where the transport is to go. Customs law and standard transport procedures are not everything.
All organized transport must comply with the HACCP system (a system for controlling and ensuring food safety in the area of food production and marketing) and GHP (the so-called Good Hygiene Practice for food production and marketing). It is the carrier who is responsible for the proper and safe transportation of food. It is his duty to ensure the hygiene of the means of transportation and its good technical condition. Frequent and thorough cleaning and regular disinfection with properly selected agents are essential.
Each carrier must also familiarize himself with the most important legal acts on the transport of foodstuffs. The most important legal provisions and restrictions related to food transportation are contained in the:
- Act of 16.12.2005 on products of animal origin,
- Law dated 25.08.2006 on food and nutrition safety,
- Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of January 28, 2002 laying down the general principles of food law requirements, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in the field of food safety,
- Regulation (EC) No. 852/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council dated 29.04.2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs,
- Regulation (EC) No. 853/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29.04.2004 laying down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin,
- ATP Convention on the International Carriage of Perishable Foodstuffs and on the Special Means of Transport for such Carriage (ATP), adopted in Geneva on September 1, 1970,
- Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road (CMR), drawn up in Geneva on May 19, 1956.
Adaptation of means of transport for food transportation
The right temperature and humidity levels must be guaranteed in the means of transportation. These are different setup ceilings for fish, meat, fruits or vegetables. The carrier must also have permits and certificates and other documents required by law related to food transportation. This includes special containers for transporting foodstuffs, which will be approved by the State Sanitary Inspectorate. If zoonotic products are imported, it is necessary to obtain a Veterinary Identification Number (WIN).
The carrier must also have OCP insurance and bring its operations in line with the international standard ISO 22000:2018. Failure to have the relevant documents may result in a financial penalty from the sanitary services. It is also possible for the transported goods to be detained or destroyed. In extreme situations, the carrier may also face criminal liability