The Future of Cold Chain Logistics: Challenges and Opportunities Facing Global Cold Chain Logistics from Vaccines to Fresh Foods 

In the European Union, in addition to legal standards for packaging and labeling, Regulation (EC) No. 37/2005 mandates that cold chain foods must implement full temperature monitoring, with temperature recorders meeting specified standards. In the United States, the government has enacted the Food Safety Transportation Act and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s regulations on the transportation of human and animal food, which detail meticulous requirements for vehicle equipment, temperature control, personnel training, and process documentation in food transportation [5].  

Internationally, there is a proactive approach to promoting cold chains. Established in early 2003, the Cool Chain Association (CCA) in Europe brings together various stakeholders to integrate the cold chain industry and develop the Cool Chain Quality Indicator (CCQI) for risk assessment and management, enhancing cold chain quality [6].  

The cold chain quality indicators assess each cold chain operation from two aspects: the "Cold Chain Quality Consistency" (CCQC) checks whether the company meets the basic requirements for high-quality cold chains; the "Cold Chain Quality Indicator" (CCQI) quantitively evaluates the company’s operational quality, providing industry benchmarks for daily processes [6].  

Cold chain logistics benefits from advancements in logistics technology. Features like GPS, RFID, and artificial intelligence allow users to conveniently track the flow of goods and understand the transportation status of each shipment [7]. Coupled with air transport, cold chain logistics enables food and vaccines to reach farther destinations, meeting diverse customer needs. As globalization and technological development continue, cold chain logistics will bring even more opportunities.