What is critical for maintaining the quality of perishable food during transport?

Maintaining the quality of perishable food during transport is greatly dependent on temperature control, making refrigeration a critical factor. Refrigeration helps to slow down the growth of bacteria, molds, and yeasts, which can spoil food and pose health risks. When perishable items are kept at proper cold temperatures, their freshness and safety can be extended significantly, reducing waste and maintaining nutritional value.

While other methods such as insulated boxes, minimal handling, and vacuum sealing can also play important roles in preserving food quality, they are not as fundamental as refrigeration. Insulated boxes can help maintain temperature but are not actively cooling; minimal handling reduces the risk of damage but doesn't affect temperature; and vacuum sealing can help with spoilage by limiting oxygen exposure but is not effective on its own without temperature control. Thus, refrigeration is the primary and most effective method for ensuring that perishable food remains safe and high-quality during transport.