Cold chain relevance in the food safety of perishable products

Abstract

The food cold chain is an effective tool that allows food markets to maintain food quality and reduce losses. Poor logistics may result in foodborne disease outbreaks and greenhouse gas emissions caused by organic matter decay. The ongoing pandemic of COVID-19 makes it necessary to study the chances of SARS-CoV-2 transmissions in food products.
 This study reviews cold chain logistics as a handy tool for avoiding food safety risks, including COVID-19.
 The cold chain of perishables and its proper management make it possible to maintain quality and safety at any stage of the food supply chain. The technology covers each link of the food chain to prevent microbial spoilage caused by temperature fluctuations and the contamination with SARS-CoV-2 associated with perishable foods. Given the lack of knowledge in this field in Latin America, the region needs new research to determine the impact of the cold chain on perishable foodstuffs.
 The perishable cold chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and the national and international markets require new traceability protocols to minimize the effect of COVID-19.

Experimental Mixed Refrigerant Low-Temperature System: Development and Trial

“…The discharge temperature during operation was below 120C while the excess discharge pressure during operation stayed below 15 bar. Thus, the new scheme can be used for commercial production of low-temperature systems for low-temperature processing and storage of biotechnological materials [8], as well as enzyme and endocrine raw materials in biotechnology, food industry, and pharmacy [9]. Also, the scheme can be applied in climate tests for various purposes [10].…”

Biosensors in Food Industry

“…Enzyme biosensors are used to detect and measure carbohydrates, amino acids, amines, amides, phenol, etc., in alcohol drinks and soft beverages. Table 1 shows food components and enzymes detected by biosensors [5].…”

“…Fluorescent biosensors A fluorescent biosensor is capable of measuring signals, fluorescence, chemiluminescence, colorimetric, electrochemical, or magnetic waves. Fluorescence detection is currently the most popular biomolecular imaging technique: in addition to its excellent temporal and spatial resolution, it is cheap, highly sensitive, and selective [5].…”

“…Many microbial assays are based on ELISA, i.e., an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay: they use microtiter plates after the chromogenic reaction is completed. The quantification involves an ELISA reader, e.g., detecting E. coli8 [5].…”

“…This process activates the expression of the reporter gene with the synthesis of mRNA and hence the reporter protein: its detection triggers an analytical signal.Electrical impedance biosensorsSuch biosensors are capable of measuring the electric charge in direct and alternating currents, and are also able to measure adhesively growing cells on the structure of the created electrode, cell density and growth.Fluorescent biosensors A fluorescent biosensor is capable of measuring signals, fluorescence, chemiluminescence, colorimetric, electrochemical, or magnetic waves. Fluorescence detection is currently the most popular biomolecular imaging technique: in addition to its excellent temporal and spatial resolution, it is cheap, highly sensitive, and selective[5].Microbial biosensorsMicroorganisms use the oxidoreductase reaction to convert their metabolic redox reaction into a quantification of electrical signals.Flow immune sensorsMany microbial assays are based on ELISA, i.e., an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay: they use microtiter plates after the chromogenic reaction is completed. The quantification involves an ELISA reader, e.g., detecting E. coli8[5].…”