Shipping Perishables with Dry Ice
Shipping Perishables With Dry Ice
The solid form of carbon dioxide (CO2), dry ice, turns into gas without leaving behind any liquid residue, a process called sublimation. This makes it a valuable and safe option for shipping perishables: food, medical supplies, and other temperature-sensitive products.
Dry ice is an indispensable component of many scientific applications, from pharmaceutical lab research to DNA studies and genetic engineering. Interestingly, it is also used to make chilly smoke effects on stage and in movies.
Note that dry ice is a hazardous material that can cause asphyxiation and skin damage. The Department of Transportation (DOT), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) all have regulations in place to govern the shipping of dry ice.
Here are some important things to keep in mind while shipping perishables with dry ice.
Packaging
Perishable items must be packed in insulated containers to prevent temperature fluctuations. The container should be labeled clearly and must be sturdy and leak-proof to avoid any damage to the contents during transport.
To ship perishables via air, the outermost container must be labeled with a hazard class 9 label, UN 1845, and the net weight of dry ice in kilograms.
Pack perishable items with sturdy material, such as good quality fiberboard or plastic or wooden boxes. It is important to add a layer of Styrofoam to the box and wrap the food in plastic wrap or paper bags before packing.
It’s best to alternate layers of dry ice and food items and to fill gaps with bubble wrap or newspaper.
Precautions for Handling and Storage
Dry ice must always be handled with gloves, as it can cause serious damage when it touches bare skin. It should not be stored in airtight containers or placed in an area with poor ventilation, as carbon dioxide gas can build up and create a hazardous environment.
Special coolers are designed for storing dry ice, and they should be placed in well-ventilated areas. Dry ice coolers should not be stored in closets, cabinets, refrigerators, walk-in coolers, or cold rooms.
Amount of Dry Ice for Shipping Perishables
To determine the amount of dry ice needed to ship perishables, consider the weight of the items, how long they need to stay frozen while in transit, the initial temperature, and the shipping destination.
Shipping perishables in the summer requires more dry ice than shipping items in the winter.
For example, 6 lbs of dry ice may be needed to keep 20 lbs of food frozen for about six hours. Preserving the same amount of food for another six hours may require an additional 10 lbs of dry ice. To preserve the perishable items for an entire day, add 8 to 15 lbs of dry ice.
Source Dry Ice from nexAir
Shipping perishable items requires careful planning and consideration, especially when it comes to the use of dry ice. The regulations set forth by the DOT and ICAO/FAA must be followed to ensure the safety of the shipment and those handling it. Choosing a reliable supplier is crucial to ensure that the dry ice used is of high quality and the right amount is provided.
To this end, nexAir offers dry ice in bulk, among other gases, to ship perishable items. If you are looking for a reliable bulk provider of gases, including oxygen, nitrogen, and specialty gas, look no further than nexAir. We are proud to provide high-quality products and go above and beyond to assist clients with the nuances of using them. Contact us today!
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Behind every package of fresh meat, bag of pre-cut salad, and bottle of craft beer sits an invisible guardian – specialized gas mixtures that preserve flavor, extend shelf life, and ensure product safety. At nexAir, we work with food processors and packagers throughout the Southeast to develop custom gas solutions that address the unique challenges of food production. Our approach goes beyond simply supplying cylinders – we become partners in your quality control process.
The Critical Role of Gases in Food Preservation
Food spoilage begins the moment a product leaves the production line. Oxygen fuels bacterial growth, accelerates oxidation, and triggers enzymatic browning. Carbon dioxide inhibits microbial activity. Nitrogen displaces oxygen and maintains package integrity. Understanding the precise balance needed for each food product requires specialized knowledge of both gas properties and food science. Our team works at this intersection, helping you determine the optimal gas mixtures for your specific products.
Modified Atmosphere Packaging That Preserves Natural Quality
Consumers increasingly demand fresh, minimally processed foods without artificial preservatives. Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) allows you to meet these demands by replacing the air inside packaging with carefully calibrated gas mixtures. For red meats, we supply high-oxygen blends that maintain the bright red color consumers associate with freshness. For prepared salads and sliced produce, low-oxygen mixtures prevent wilting and browning without affecting taste or texture. Our custom MAP solutions help your products maintain their natural appearance and flavor profile throughout their shelf life.
Ensuring Consistent Quality Through Precision Blending
Quality control in food production demands consistency – consumers expect the same taste, appearance, and freshness with every purchase. Gas mixtures that vary from batch to batch can undermine this consistency. Our automated blending systems deliver precise gas compositions every time, eliminating the variability that can affect product quality. We regularly calibrate and certify our equipment to food-grade standards, giving you confidence that the gas touching your products meets the highest purity requirements.
Technical Support When You Need It Most
Production issues rarely happen during business hours. That's why our team remains available to help troubleshoot gas-related challenges whenever they arise. When a bakery customer noticed inconsistent product volume during an overnight shift, our on-call technician identified a pressure fluctuation in their carbon dioxide supply and quickly implemented a solution. This responsive support helps prevent quality control failures that could otherwise result in product loss and delivery delays.
Partnering for Continuous Improvement
Food trends, processing technologies, and packaging materials constantly evolve. We work with our food industry customers to regularly evaluate gas solutions against changing requirements and opportunities for improvement. Our technical team keeps you informed about innovations in gas applications that might benefit your operation. This collaborative approach helps you stay ahead of challenges and continue meeting the high-quality standards your customers expect.
Maintaining quality control in food production requires vigilance, specialized knowledge, and reliable partners. At nexAir, we provide more than just industrial gases – we deliver application expertise, responsive service, and custom solutions that address the specific challenges of your food products. Contact our food industry specialists today to discuss how our gas solutions can strengthen your quality control program and help deliver the consistent product excellence your customers demand.
Looking out for your future
Get your career going on the right track with nexAir
Find out how nexAir KnowHow has impacted businesses all over the Southeast
Our expertise makes us more than a valuable partner, it makes us headlines