What Are Perishable Foods? Here’s the Definition and Examples

6 days ago

Perishable foods are types of foods that can easily spoil or decay within a short time if not handled properly.

These foods require special storage to maintain their quality and safety, whether before being processed into meals or transported to a destination.

Examples of perishable foods include fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and frozen foods. By understanding their characteristics, you can process and store them under the best possible conditions.

Curious about the full definition and complete examples? Let’s dive into the discussion in this article!

What Are Perishable Foods?

Perishable goods include all items that are easily spoiled, both food and non-food. Perishable food specifically refers to food products that are prone to spoilage and therefore require special handling, such as refrigeration or freezing, to remain safe for consumption within a certain period.

Based on shelf life, food can generally be categorized into three groups: perishable food with a short shelf life, semi-perishable food with a moderate but still limited shelf life, and non-perishable food with a longer shelf life, such as dry foods.

Difference Between Perishable and Non-Perishable Foods

Perishable foods have a high water content, which makes them more susceptible to the rapid growth of bacteria, fungi, and microbes. To preserve their quality, they must be stored in a refrigerator at temperatures below five degrees Celsius. Examples include vegetables, meat, fruit, and eggs.

In contrast, non-perishable foods can last longer even at room temperature. Typically, they have a low water content that inhibits microbial growth or have undergone preservation and sterilization processes to prevent spoilage. Examples include canned food, rice, and dried grains. These foods also stay fresh when stored in the refrigerator, as long as they are protected from other damage, such as pest infestation.

Examples of Perishable Foods

Perishable foods are very common, ranging from fresh produce to dairy products. Here are some examples:

1. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Fresh produce is highly nutritious but prone to spoilage. They should be stored separately in a refrigerator at the proper temperature and regularly checked to ensure freshness.

2. Fresh Meat

Meat such as beef and chicken can easily be contaminated by bacteria and spoil quickly. To maintain its quality, keep it refrigerated at the right temperature or freeze it if not consumed immediately.

3. Eggs

Eggs are perishable and vulnerable to bacterial contamination if not stored correctly. Keep them refrigerated at a maximum temperature of 4°C, ideally on a designated egg tray to prevent breakage.

4. Bread and Pastries

Fresh bread and pastries have a short shelf life. Refrigeration may extend freshness slightly, but it is best to consume them shortly after purchase.

5. Dairy Products

Milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream are all perishable foods that are highly temperature-sensitive and prone to bacterial contamination. Proper storage and distribution are essential to maintain their quality.

Read also: 7 Tips for Storing Meat at the Ideal Temperature

Tips for Shipping Perishable Goods

In distribution, perishable goods require extra care to ensure they arrive in optimal condition. Here are some best practices:

Use express services such as same-day or next-day delivery, especially for fresh foods that only last 1–2 days. These services are usually limited to local areas.
Rely on cold chain logistics systems to maintain stable temperatures from warehouse to consumer.
Use refrigerated vehicles (reefer trucks or containers) for large-scale shipments to ensure controlled temperatures.
Choose the right shipping time and avoid weekends or long holidays when goods may get stuck in storage.
Partner with an experienced logistics provider specializing in perishable goods to ensure proper handling.

With proper packaging and handling, perishable goods can reach their destination in optimal condition, maintaining quality and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Cold Chain Solutions from MGM Bosco Logistics

Managing perishable foods in large volumes requires safe and reliable storage facilities. Without proper handling, the risk of spoilage and distribution delays increases, which may cause business losses.

For optimal solutions, MGM Bosco Logistics provides end-to-end cold chain services supported by modern, high-standard warehouses and refrigerated fleets equipped with real-time tracking systems.

With over 20 years of experience, MGM Bosco not only stores products at ideal temperatures but also ensures that distribution is fast, efficient, and transparent.

MGM Bosco is certified with ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System), ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health & Safety Management System), and Indonesia Halal Certification, guaranteeing service quality.

Currently, MGM Bosco manages four main cold storage facilities in Jatiasih, Sidoarjo, Makassar, and Palembang.

In addition, MGM Bosco operates more than 1,000 refrigerated trucks equipped with thermo-loggers and GPS tracking.