How Frozen Meat Travels Around the World

Transporting frozen meat around the world requires planning, specialised equipment, and strict adherence to food safety regulations. This blog post explores how frozen meat is prepared for transport, the types of vehicles used, the packaging methods involved, and the regulatory landscape.

Preparation and Packaging

Processing and Freezing Meat intended for frozen haulage is first processed and then rapidly frozen to temperatures around -20°C or lower. This rapid freezing is crucial to preserve the meat's quality and prevent spoilage during transit.

Common Packaging Methods

• Vacuum Sealing: This method involves placing meat in a plastic film, removing the air, and sealing it. Vacuum sealing is ideal for smaller cuts of meat such as steaks, chops, and ground meat. It helps prevent freezer burn, extends shelf life, and maintains meat colour and texture.
• Bulk Containers: Plastic or cardboard containers lined with plastic are used for transporting significant volumes of meat. These containers are often insulated to maintain low temperatures and are suitable for wholesale quantities, including whole carcasses.
• Hanging Rail Systems: Primarily used for large carcasses, these systems keep the meat suspended in transport vehicles, preventing contact and contamination. They are commonly used for transporting whole carcasses of beef, pork, lamb, veal, and sheep.

Transport Formats

• Refrigerated Vehicles. Refrigerated trucks and vans are the backbone of frozen meat transport, equipped with temperature-controlled compartments that can maintain temperatures between -10°C to -30°C. Modern refrigerated vehicles also able to continuously monitor the temperature, ensuring any deviations are promptly addressed.
• Hanging Meat Transport. Vehicles designed for hanging meat are equipped with rail systems that hold the meat in place. This method ensures carcasses remain in optimal condition by preventing any contact that could lead to contamination or spoilage.

Regulatory Compliance

Transporting frozen meat within Europe is governed by stringent regulations to ensure food safety and hygiene. Any frozen meat shipment must comply with the relevant regulations. We previously looked at the requirements for transporting meat from the EU to the UK, which provides a good example of the documentation required for most cross-border meat shipments:

Verify Export Eligibility. Ensure that both the country of origin and the specific exporting establishment are approved by UK authorities to export meat to Great Britain.

• Approved countries and regions: Link
• Approved EU establishments: Link
• Approved non-EU establishments: Link

Obtain Necessary Health Certificates. All meat exports to Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man) require an accompanying Health Certificate issued by the local competent authority in the country of the exporter, based on the model health certificate, as defined by the UK government. 

Notify UK Authorities. Meat products fall into the medium risk category as defined in the UK’s Border Target Operating Model, and require importers to notify the authorities at least 24 hours before the goods arrive at the border. Notification is made via the Import of products, animals, food, and feed system, IPAFFS. 

Veterinary Check. Meat products must be imported through a Border Control Post (BCP). A list of eligible BCPs are listed here. At the BCP, goods will undergo veterinary check before being allowed in. More details on the BCP process is available here.

Final transit. Once the goods have cleared the BCP, a Common Health Entry Document (CHED) will be issued. The CHED should accompany the goods to the final destination. 

Non-compliance has carries severe penalties, not least in the form of potential confiscations, which is not an insurable risk.

Conclusion

The journey of frozen meat across Europe is a testament to the advancements in logistics and transportation technology. From the initial processing and freezing to the final delivery, every step is carefully managed to ensure that the meat arrives, and usually in good condition. By adhering to strict regulatory standards and employing specialised transport methods, the frozen haulage industry plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of Europe's food supply chain.

For businesses involved in the frozen meat trade, understanding these processes and employing reliable logistics practices is essential to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of their products.