IIR launches the Blue Book, 5th edition, at MOP 38

The first book was published in 1959 and now updated with specialists worldwide, presented at a side event marking the 10th anniversary of the Kigali Amendment. 

Nearly a third of the world's food is lost between harvest and plate, often for lack of proper cooling. To help close that gap, the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) launched the 5th edition of its flagship guide, Recommendations for Chilled Storage of Perishable Produce. The launch took place at the 38th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol (MOP 38), held in Kigali, Rwanda, this morning. 

What the publication covers 

First published in  1959, 1967, 1979 and 2000, the Blue Book is the IIR's reference guide on chilled storage conditions. The 5th edition has been updated with contributions from specialists worldwide. It was coordinated by Judith Evans (President of IIR Section C “Biology and food technology’’) and updated by 20 lead authors and reviewed by international experts around the world.  

This edition adds two new chapters, on eggs and on brewing and non-fruit juice drinks. The guide also covers definitions, the quality of chilled foods, chilling technology and modelling. Further chapters address fruit and vegetables, meat and poultry, fishery products, dairy products, pre-cooked ready prepared products, cut flowers and seeds.  

The side event 

The Blue Book launched at a side event titled "Cold Chain Temperature Standards, Refrigerants and Efficiency for Cutting Food Loss and Emissions for Kigali's Next Decade". It is organised by the IIR and the Climate & Clean Air Coalition (CCAC). Alongside the launch, the CCAC discussed ongoing cold chain projects that help developing countries build sustainable, energy-efficient refrigeration capacity.  

The session brought together scientists, country representatives, industry, and international organisations to discuss the cold chain. 

“Updating the Blue Book has been a large international initiative which has been ongoing for the past 2 years. Everyone involved has been working on this in their spare time and so I wanted to thank everyone who contributed for their expert advice, commitment, and willingness to get involved in this great initiative -  Judith Evans, Chair of the Publication” 

About the IIR  

The International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) is an intergovernmental organisation dedicated to advancing refrigeration and heat pump technologies and their application for a sustainable future. With the world’s most comprehensive knowledge base, peer-reviewed publications, and regular international scientific conferences, the IIR drives the dissemination of cutting-edge research and fosters global collaboration across the sector. The IIR connects researchers, industry experts, and policymakers to support informed decision-making and turn scientific progress into practical and reliable applications. Founded after the first International Congress of Refrigeration held in 1908, the IIR is a global reference, providing trusted knowledge and data to support the deployment of sustainable, efficient refrigeration technologies essential to food security, healthcare, and climate action.