Maintaining the cold chain during storage and transport of meat

Meat can be transported at temperatures higher than the current maximum of 7°C without causing additional bacterial growth, provided that specific maximum transport times are applied and bacterial growth is controlled by efficient chilling. That is the main conclusion of an EFSA scientific opinion on the public health risks related to the maintenance of a cold chain during the storage and transport of meat. EFSA recommends specific combinations of maximum temperatures of the carcasses and transport times that do not increase bacterial growth. The maintenance of the cold chain is one of the main principles and basic requirements of the EU legislation on food hygiene.

• Scientific Opinion on the public health risks related to the maintenance of the cold chain during storage and transport of meat. Part 1 (meat of domestic ungulates)