Kylkedja

Kylkedja, or the cold chain, refers to the temperature-controlled supply chain that begins with the production or harvest of perishable goods and extends through storage and transport to the end consumer. The objective is to keep products within specified temperature ranges to preserve safety, quality, and efficacy. It is critical for foods such as dairy, meat, and seafood, as well as medicines, vaccines, and biologics.

Key components include temperature-controlled storage facilities (warehouses and cold rooms), refrigerated transport (trucks, railcars, air freight), specialized packaging (insulated boxes and gel packs), and temperature monitoring equipment (data loggers and continuous sensors). Data capture and traceability are essential, enabling documentation of storage and transit conditions at every step.

Standards and regulation: Compliance is typically guided by Good Distribution Practice for medicines, HACCP-based food safety systems, ISO 22000, and country-specific rules. EU and other jurisdictions also set requirements for temperature-controlled transport and handling of sensitive products. Public health authorities emphasize maintaining the cold chain to prevent spoilage and loss of potency.

Operations: The cold chain relies on coordinated logistics, proper handling, and contingency planning for power outages or equipment failure. Temperature excursions can compromise product quality and safety, particularly for vaccines that require strict maintenance.

Technology and challenges: IoT sensors, data loggers, and cloud-based monitoring support real-time visibility and alerts for excursions. Challenges include infrastructure gaps, energy costs, and last-mile delivery in remote areas, while innovations in packaging and refrigeration technology continue to expand coverage.

Impact: A robust kylkedja reduces waste, protects consumer safety, and ensures regulatory compliance and trust in temperature-sensitive products.