Lisbon, June 24, 2025 (Lusa) - Automatic temperature recording is mandatory for the transport of deep-frozen food, except for local distribution, the Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary Affairs (DGAV) said on Tuesday.

According to a technical clarification from the DGAV, automatic temperature recording is mandatory for "means of transport of deep-frozen food, except during local distribution".

Automatic temperature recording or metrological control ensures that measuring instruments, such as scales, thermographs or pressure gauges, are working properly.

This requirement also applies to facilities for the storage and warehousing of deep-frozen food, but there is an exception for retail establishments during storage in chambers of less than 10 cubic metres and in display cases.

Regulations require automatic temperature control in storage holds for frozen fishery products on factory ships and freezer vessels, in storage chambers for frozen fishery products in land-based establishments, and in vehicles transporting meat that must remain fully chilled.

The DGAV also considers this registration necessary, even though the law does not require it, in the case of food freezing tunnels, temperature-controlled food storage chambers and food handling rooms, e.g. cutting rooms, minced meat preparation rooms, meat preparations and mechanically separated meat.

In addition, the facility includes reception and dispatch areas with temporary storage, means of transport with a duration of more than 30 minutes, and holds and containers for the storage of fresh fish for more than 24 hours.

PE/ADB // ADB.

Lusa