Refrigeration system component that reduces refrigerant pressure from high (condenser) to low (evaporator) and meters refrigerant flow to evaporator.
Fair Trade Certification
Definition: Certification ensuring products meet social, economic, and environmental standards that support producers in developing countries. Guarantees fair prices, decent working conditions, and sustainable practices. Why It Matters: Fair Trade certification commands premium prices. Growing consumer demand for ethical products. Cold chain operators handling Fair Trade products must maintain certification integrity through proper segregation and documentation. Cold Chain Requirements:– Maintain…
FEFO (First Expired, First Out)
Inventory management principle where products with nearest expiration dates are shipped/used first, regardless of when they arrived. Critical for perishable products with limited shelf life.
FIFO (First In, First Out)
Inventory management principle where oldest products (first to arrive) are shipped/used first. Common in food and pharmaceutical cold chain.
FoodBev SETA
Definition: Food and Beverages Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority. The SETA responsible for skills development in the food and beverage manufacturing sector, including cold chain operations. Why It Matters: FoodBev SETA qualifications are nationally recognized. Learnerships provide funded training opportunities. Skills development claims can offset training costs. Demonstrates commitment to workforce development. Relevant Qualifications:– National Certificate: Food and Beverage…
Foodborne Illness
Disease transmitted through consumption of contaminated food. Common pathogens include Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and Campylobacter.
Forced-Air Cooling
Cooling method using fans to circulate cold air rapidly through product packaging, significantly faster than room cooling.
Freezer Burn
Surface dehydration and oxidation of frozen products caused by exposure to air, appearing as white or grayish-brown dry patches. Caused by improper packaging or temperature fluctuations.
Frozen
Standard frozen temperature range of -18°C to 0°C. Most frozen food products are stored and transported at -18°C per international standards.
FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification)
Definition: Food Safety System Certification 22000. A GFSI-benchmarked food safety certification scheme that combines ISO 22000, ISO/TS 22002-1 (prerequisite programs), sector-specific prerequisite programs (PRPs), and additional FSSC requirements. Why It Matters: FSSC 22000 is recognized by major global retailers and food manufacturers as meeting GFSI benchmarking requirements. Increasingly required by multinational customers and for export market access. Components:– ISO 22000…