Food Storage Tips In Cargos When Utilizing Cargo/ Container Desiccants

When I first heard a cargo operator mentioning oxygen absorbers in his casual conversation with the stevedore or dockworker, I surprisingly asked, “What are those?” However, as soon as he bought one to show me, I comprehend what they were. You’ve most possibly seen these tiny packets in packages of food that you buy at the grocery store. Container desiccants used in cargos are white but can come in different hues as well.

About Container Rain

A build-up of humidity spells container rain within a container. This happens because of surrounding environmental conditions. Container rain is a real threat to shipping companies & businesses worldwide as it can result in a deterioration of products shipped and revenue in enormous proportions. Container rain can be prevented with cargo-safe container desiccants having the ability of moisture control. But before proceeding with container rain prevention, take a moment to know what you are dealing with actually.

• The loading setting can be a vital contributing determinant, especially if the loading is in a more humid location, which can usually be the plight.

• Products & packaging, and packing materials, may indeed generate a build-up in moisture.

• Temperatures vary from daytime to evening and from one location to the other. Cargoes have to travel through various climate zones on a single voyage, making the container and its contents (food items) go through drastic temperature fluctuations.

• Condensation springs inside the container because of the combination of humidity and temperature variations.

Without adequate moisture control, a myriad of issues can occur. The packaging of food items, including grains, popcorn kernels, oatmeal, cereals, dried vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, legumes, etc.,  can deteriorate. Moreover, without oxygen absorbents or desiccants, the powders can begin to cake, name labels will peel, and mold, corrosion, and warping instances can become prevalent.

Food Storage Tips When Loading The Shipping Containers With Edible Items

Check out the below-stated tips to help get the shipping companies sprung on the way to successful food storage using oxygen absorber or desiccant packets.

Consider Temperature 

When loading food items on the container, keeping the temperature at or below room temperature is inherent. It's recommended to keep things at 40-50°F if you can manage it during transportation. Furthermore, the ideal temperature is usually much warmer in the sunlight and way colder at night. Try to maintain the temperature below 75°F for dry goods at all times. Excessive or direct heat from sunlight can speed up the arrival of the expiration date.

Watch Out For Light 

As mentioned above, storing the products exposed to sunlight or out in the open is not advised. Therefore, when shipping goods, see if direct sunlight reaches the products. 

Watch For Moisture

When it comes to restricting the moisture in the container, nothing works better than container desiccants. The desiccants absorb the moisture and condensation in the environment, saving your food from spoiling. Even if they seem "dry," foods high in moisture are not ideal candidates for storing without oxygen absorbers.

The Final Words!

Cargo desiccants absorb moisture inside a container while shipping to prevent condensation from the container's forming on the walls that may induce "container rain." The unique formula is safe for direct use with food and can absorb up to 300% of its weight under the temperature of 25°C and 90% humidity.