An assessment of the impact of cold chain logistics on food safety: A case study of PZ Cussons Nigeria in Kwara State.
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Background of the study
Cold chain logistics, which involves the transportation and storage of perishable goods at specific temperature ranges, plays a crucial role in maintaining food safety and quality (Yang et al., 2024). The food industry, particularly in developing economies like Nigeria, faces significant challenges related to food spoilage, contamination, and waste due to inadequate storage and transportation infrastructure (Agboola et al., 2023). Cold chain logistics ensures that perishable food items, such as dairy products, meat, and fruits, maintain their quality and safety from production to consumption. For companies like PZ Cussons Nigeria, which operates in the food and consumer goods sector, effective cold chain management is crucial to ensuring product safety, consumer trust, and regulatory compliance (Chukwudi et al., 2023).
PZ Cussons Nigeria, with its extensive distribution network across Nigeria, faces logistical challenges, particularly in Kwara State, where infrastructure may be underdeveloped. The application of cold chain logistics is pivotal in ensuring the safety and quality of food products during transportation and storage. Given the perishable nature of many of PZ Cussons’ products, it is critical for the company to assess the efficiency of its cold chain logistics to reduce losses and ensure that products are delivered safely to consumers (Akinyemi et al., 2025). Understanding the role of cold chain logistics in maintaining food safety is essential for evaluating the overall impact of logistics management on consumer health and company profitability in Kwara State.
This study will assess the effectiveness of cold chain logistics employed by PZ Cussons Nigeria and its impact on food safety, focusing on the challenges and benefits of implementing cold chain systems in Kwara State, where infrastructure and logistics management may present unique challenges (Fagbola et al., 2023).
Statement of the problem
Despite the importance of cold chain logistics in ensuring food safety, there is a lack of comprehensive studies that explore its effectiveness in the Nigerian context, particularly in less-urbanized regions like Kwara State. PZ Cussons Nigeria, as a major player in the food industry, relies on cold chain logistics to maintain the safety and quality of its products. However, there is insufficient empirical research on how effectively the company’s cold chain operations manage temperature-sensitive food products in Kwara State and other similar regions. Challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, inconsistent power supply, and poor road networks often hinder the efficient functioning of cold chain logistics (Okoro et al., 2024). This study seeks to fill the gap by evaluating the impact of cold chain logistics on food safety and identifying strategies for improving logistics performance in Kwara State.
Objectives of the study
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To assess the effectiveness of PZ Cussons Nigeria’s cold chain logistics in maintaining food safety in Kwara State.
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To identify the challenges faced by PZ Cussons Nigeria in implementing cold chain logistics in Kwara State.
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To evaluate the impact of cold chain logistics on consumer trust and product safety in Kwara State.
Research questions
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How effective are PZ Cussons Nigeria’s cold chain logistics in maintaining food safety in Kwara State?
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What challenges does PZ Cussons Nigeria face in implementing cold chain logistics in Kwara State?
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What is the impact of cold chain logistics on consumer trust and food safety in Kwara State?
Research hypotheses
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Cold chain logistics significantly enhance food safety in PZ Cussons Nigeria’s operations in Kwara State.
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Inadequate infrastructure and power supply negatively impact the effectiveness of cold chain logistics in Kwara State.
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Cold chain logistics positively influence consumer trust and satisfaction with PZ Cussons’ food products in Kwara State.
Scope and limitations of the study
This study focuses on the cold chain logistics employed by PZ Cussons Nigeria to ensure food safety in Kwara State. The research will assess the challenges and benefits of cold chain logistics in maintaining food safety and consumer trust. Primary data will be collected through interviews with PZ Cussons’ logistics managers, surveys with consumers, and analysis of logistics operations in Kwara State. A limitation of the study is the difficulty in obtaining access to some of the company’s logistical data due to confidentiality. Additionally, the study may be limited by the availability of reliable infrastructure data from Kwara State.
Definitions of terms
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Cold chain logistics: The process of managing the transportation, storage, and handling of perishable goods within specific temperature ranges to maintain their quality and safety.
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Food safety: The practices and measures taken to prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure that food products are safe for consumption.
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Logistics management: The planning, implementation, and control of the movement and storage of goods in a supply chain.
