A cold chain is a temperature-controlled supply process in which temperature-sensitive products such as food, pharmaceuticals, chemical substances, and biological materials are transported and stored within a specified temperature range throughout their supply chain. The aim is to ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of these products by strictly adhering to the specified temperature requirements. The cold chain encompasses the entire process, from production through storage, transportation, and distribution to the end consumer.
In the pharmaceutical field, this includes medicines, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), vaccines, and biological substances. These products are highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations, and any deviation from the recommended range can render them ineffective or even harmful.