Frozen Supply Chains: What Happens When the Cold Chain Breaks in the Heat?
As summer temperatures climb, so do the risks associated with transporting temperature-sensitive goods. From pharmaceuticals to produce, frozen foods to floral arrangements, many products rely on a tightly controlled cold chain to maintain safety, quality, and shelf life. But what happens when this chain breaks in the scorching summer heat? Spoiler alert: the damage isn’t just measured in dollars—it can lead to health hazards, product recalls, and strained customer relationships. When the Cold Chain Fails: Real-World Consequences 1. Spoiled Goods and Financial Losses A single reefer (refrigerated trailer) failure can lead to thousands—sometimes millions—of dollars in losses. A major grocery chain once reported discarding an entire shipment of frozen meats after a temperature excursion of just a few degrees, lasting under two hours. In the summer, trailers heat up fast, and the clock starts ticking the moment cooling fails. 2. Food Safety Haza...