The low-temperature preservation of foods is based on the principle that the activities of foodborne microorganisms can be slowed down at temperatures around the freezing point and stopped at temperatures below the freezing point.
The metabolic reactions of microorganisms are catalyzed by enzymes and the rate is dependent on temperature.
The rate of reaction is increased with an increase in temperature.
The temperature coefficient (Q10) value varies between 1.5 and 2.5.
The temperature always is related to the relative humidity of the reaction environment and therefore subfreezing temperatures also affect the relative humidity and the pH of the system for microbial growth.