China to Implement Updated Cold Chain Standards

On 1 Jul 2015, Tianjin FDA implemented a set of provincial standards for cold chain logistics. The standards are the first of their kind in China and represent a major milestone for the food industry.

The standards consist of 9 separate standards, which systematically lay down the requirements on storage, transportation and distribution of frozen and refrigerated products. Fruit and vegetable, meat and processed food products are listed as the management objects of the standards, including

• Cold chain logistics – Technical specifications of cold storage (DB12/T 557-2015)

• Cold chain logistics – Requirements of refrigerated vehicles equipment (DB 12/T 558-2015)

• Cold chain logistics – Technical requirements of insulated containers (DB 12/T 559-2015)

• Cold chain logistics – Specifications of temperature measurements and requirements (DB 12/T 560-2015)

• Operation rules for cold chain logistics of fruits and vegetables (DB 12/T 561-2015)

• Operation rules for cold chain logistics of livestock and poultry meat (DB 12/T 562-2015)

• Operation rules for cold chain logistics of fishery products (DB 12/T 563-2015)

• Temperature-controlled techniques of storage and transportation for low-temperature food (DB 12/T 564-2015)

• Specifications of logistics pedigree tracking management for low-temperature food (DB 12/T 565-2015)