The process of transporting Brazilian chicken to Japan involves several steps that are managed to ensure quality, safety, and freshness. Below is a detailed explanation of the distribution process.
Production and Processing
In Brazil, chicken production is concentrated in regions such as Paraná and Santa Catarina. The Chickens are raised under strict conditions to meet international quality standards. Meat is processed in facilities that go along with global food safety certifications like HACCP and ISO 22000. Then the chicken is prepared for export in various forms, including like what we see in the store. (Agricultural & Livestock Industries Corporation [ALIC], 2016).
Freezing and Packaging
Once processed, the chicken undergoes rapid freezing to preserve the freshness and quality. After that, it is then packaged in specialized materials to maintain frozen conditions and prevent exposure to moisture or temperature fluctuations during transit. (Brazilian Association of Animal Protein [ABPA], n.d.).
Loading and Containerization
The frozen chicken is packed into cartons or plastic containers, which are inspected before being loaded into refrigerated containers. These containers maintain temperatures below -18°C and are equipped with advanced temperature control systems to ensure the product’s integrity throughout transportation.
Maritime Shipping
Probably the primary method of transportation would be ships departing from major Brazilian ports, such as Santos Port, to major Japanese ports, including Yokohama and Kobe. The journey typically takes 30 to 40 days. During this time, temperature monitoring systems and GPS trackers ensure that the frozen chicken remains in optimal conditions so it would'nt become raw. (Yahoo! Chiebukuro, 2023).
Customs and Quarantine
With the arrival to Japan, the chicken undergoes rigorous customs and quarantine inspections. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries checks for compliance with Japanese safety standards, including testing for pesticide residues and pathogens. Documentation such as health certificates and certificates of origin are also verified during this process. (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries [MAFF], n.d.).
Domestic Distribution
After clearing inspections, the chicken is stored in cold storage facilities in Japan before being distributed to supermarkets, restaurants, and other end-use destinations. Throughout the domestic supply chain, cold chain logistics are employed to maintain temperature control and ensure product safety. (ALIC, 2016).
As a final result, all of the process above highlights the stringent measures undertaken to deliver high-quality Brazilian chicken to Japanese consumers, meeting both international and local standards.
Home to Use
From here is my personal information. After it goes to stores ( in my case Kasumi), the chicken is wrapped and labeled. If no one buys the product, the price comes to discount and time for me to buy it. The cost was 369 yen and I went home with my car from Kasumi. I used it to grill with salt and pepper and the plate became open for trash. There is a recycle bin at Kasumi so, I put it away after washing the plastic plate and wrapping it with similar ones. It would be collected by recycling companies and my plate will become an another plate.