16.4.1.2 Smoking
Refer to Section 12.
16.4.1.3 Use of brine and other dips
Potential hazards: microbiological and chemical contamination by
the dip solution
Potential defects: adulteration (additives), abnormal flavours
Technical guidance:
• Where fish or shellfish are dipped or soaked in brine or in
solutions of other conditioning or flavouring agents or additives
in preparation for canning, solution strength and time of
immersion should both be carefully controlled to bring about the
optimal effect.
• Dip solutions should be replaced and dip tanks and other dipping
apparatus should be thoroughly cleaned at frequent intervals.
• Care should be taken to ascertain whether or not the ingredients
or additives used in dips would be permitted in canned fish and
shellfish by the related Codex Standards and in the countries
where the product will be marketed.
16.4.2 Packing in containers (filling, sealing and coding) (Processing Step 8)
16.4.2.1 Filling
Potential hazards: microbiological growth (waiting period),
microbiological survival growth and
recontamination after heat processing owing to
incorrect filling or defective containers
Potential defects: incorrect weight, foreign matter
Technical guidance:
• A representative number of containers and covers should be
inspected immediately before delivery to the filling machines or
packing tables to ensure that they are clean, undamaged and
without visible flaws.
• If necessary, empty containers should be cleaned. It is also a wise
precaution to have all containers turned upside down to make
certain that they do not contain any foreign material before they
are used.
• Care should also be taken to remove defective containers,
because they can jam a filling or sealing machine, or cause
trouble during heat processing (inadequate sterilization, leaks).