The frozen foods consumption is a constantly growing trend and represents one of the simplest ways to preserve food for long periods, to overcome the seasons limits and to bridge the gap between supply and demand of products.
For the correct conservation of the frozen product it’s essential to maintain the cold chain; as reported by the Italian Institute of Frozen Foods (IIAS), the cold chain refers to the set of equipment and practices that ensure that the temperature of the frozen food is always equal to or below -18 ° C. From a regulatory perspective, the A.T.P. (Accord Transports Perissable) regulates the transport and distribution of temperature-sensitive food. Vehicles used for the transport of perishable goods intended for human consumption must be recognized as suitable for transport and obtain the A.T.P. by the Ministry of Transport. Furthermore, the agreement determines the standards for the realization of the fittings, which in the case of the transport of frozen foods are identified with the initials FRC and FRCX for reinforced isothermal refrigerated vehicles, RRC for refrigerated isothermal vehicles(made with eutectic plates without refrigeration unit).
The law, therefore, requires that the transport and distribution of perishable goods at -18 ° C take place by insulated vehicles or by mobile isothermal containers whoose represent the simpler alternative to refrigerated set-ups that are expensive to maintain. Most of the refrigerated isothermal containers in the Coldtainer range are A.T.P approved and are made of polyethylene for H.A.C.C.P food grade. The Coldtainers intended for the transport of frozen products are those in the FDN versions (up to -24 ° C), all in FRCX class.
