Returned chilled product goes back to saleable stock, to another use (such as a markdown sale) or to disposal. Its temperature history decides: Regulation (EC) 852/2004 requires the cold chain not to be interrupted and allows time outside temperature control only for limited periods that create no health risk. Product with an unknown history cannot be shown saleable even when it looks physically sound.
| Return source | Temperature history | Basis for the decision |
|---|---|---|
| Customer return | Unknown | Without a record it does not return to saleable stock |
| Store to warehouse return | Partly known | Judged on the record available |
| Load rejected at delivery | Vehicle record exists | Decided on the record |
The shared first step is to separate the product from saleable stock. Record product and lot, quantity, reason, return time, and seal and packaging condition, and attach any temperature record; vehicle air alone or one spot reading does not establish earlier conditions. When product is reaccepted, marked down or destroyed is written in advance, not debated while holding it; without written criteria the decision comes out differently each time. Product with an incomplete history stays on hold, and the quality or food-safety lead decides on further use or disposal.
Put the container return on the same trip as the product return; otherwise the empty vehicle makes the journey twice.
