From cold chain management to contamination prevention, modern food transport involves far more than simply moving goods by road. It’s an activity that intersects with legal responsibility, hygiene standards and increasingly high expectations from consumers and distributors alike. For this reason, international and EU regulations impose strict requirements to ensure food quality is preserved throughout the entire logistics chain.
In this article, we will explore the main regulations governing food transport: the ATP Agreement, European Regulation 852/2004 (also known as the “Hygiene Package”), and the HACCP system. We will also see how Mesaroli applies these standards in practice to deliver services that meet the demands of the market.
One of the fundamental legal frameworks to consider in food transport is the ATP Agreement: the Accord Transport Perissable is an international treaty regulating the road transport of perishable foodstuffs. This regulation sets specific requirements to ensure that food remains safe and of high quality throughout the transport process.
All vehicles used to transport perishable goods must be ATP-certified, following thorough technical inspections. This certification is valid for six years and can be renewed twice. Vehicles must meet strict standards for thermal insulation and refrigeration capacity and are classified into three main categories:
In addition to the technical provisions of the ATP Agreement, the European regulatory framework includes broader hygiene standards that apply to all food supply chain operators — including transport companies.
Regulation (EC) 852/2004, part of the Hygiene Package, sets out general food hygiene requirements applicable across the entire production chain, including transport.
Key obligations of Regulation 852/2004 include:
Strict compliance with these rules helps companies prevent contamination and ensures adherence to best hygiene and safety practices.
The HACCP system complements the previous regulations by offering a systemic and preventive approach to food safety management — essential during transport as well.
HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) is a risk prevention and management system that ensures food safety at every stage of the supply chain, including transport and distribution.
It is based on seven core principles, ranging from hazard identification and critical control point definition to monitoring operational conditions and implementing corrective actions in case of anomalies.
In the context of transport, temperature control is particularly critical: keeping products within specific temperature ranges is essential to preserving quality and preventing the growth of harmful microorganisms. Thanks to digital tracking and real-time monitoring solutions, it is now possible to act promptly in the event of deviations, reducing the risk of product loss or regulatory non-compliance.
Proper HACCP implementation also involves staff training, accurate record keeping and full traceability of transported goods — all essential elements for anyone operating responsibly in the food sector.
Implementing these regulations effectively requires specific expertise, advanced technologies and well-structured processes. This is where Mesaroli’s experience in national and international food logistics comes into play.
When it comes to food transport, having a refrigerated vehicle is not enough: strict procedures, reliable technologies and in-depth regulatory knowledge are essential. Mesaroli stands out for its integrated approach to food logistics, providing solutions that offer maximum control over every phase of transport, both domestically and internationally.
Each vehicle in our fleet is equipped with a remote management and monitoring system, allowing real-time verification of optimal temperature conditions throughout the journey. This guarantees greater security for the end client and ensures compliance with regulatory standards.
Additionally, Mesaroli has obtained IFS Logistics certification, one of the highest internationally recognised standards in the industry. This certification not only confirms regulatory compliance but also demonstrates the company’s ongoing commitment to quality, hygiene, and traceability of transported goods.
Choosing Mesaroli means relying on an experienced, proactive and certified partner, capable of delivering a personalised, efficient service that meets even the most complex needs of the food industry.e.
Would you like more information about our food transport services? Get in touch — we’re ready to offer tailored solutions for your business.