Top 5 Questions Asked About Gel Packs For Pharmaceutical and Food

We’ve all used coolers to keep our food and drinks cold when refrigeration is not available. However, many goods such as food, pharmaceuticals, wine, and other temperature-sensitive items need to be shipped and stored at a consistent temperature, sometimes for long periods of time.

While there are a lot of questions out there related to gel packs for food and pharmaceuticals, there is also lots of differing, and sometimes incorrect information.

Gel packs freeze at a lower temperature than ice and generally last longer than ice. The length of time it can remain frozen varies based on the size, shape, temperature exposure, and how you are packing a shipment/cooler.

1. How Long Gel Pack Last?

Gel packs are designed to not leak under most circumstances but if they do, most are non-toxic and do not contain any hazardous materials. The gel in most freezer packs is usually a polymer or cellulose mixed with water.

2. Are Gel Packs for Food Dangerous?

According to the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA), to pass checkpoints, liquids must be frozen solid when presented for screening. Liquids must pass the 3-1-1 requirements if partially melted, slushy, or have any liquid at the bottom of the container.

3. Can I Take Gel Packs on Airplane?

It is not recommend using the same type of cold gel pack for medical needs as you would for shipping. Frozen gel packs for shipping or drink coolers have an outer nylon or plastic bag that, if frozen, can stick to skin and pull open wounds and scabs.

4. Can I use gel pack on cut or bruise?

Gel packs should be used for products requiring temperature control such as – pharmaceuticals and life-sciences products, meat and seafood, and perishables.

5. How Do You Use Gel Packs?