4. COLD CHAIN CONTROL
As appropriate, both safety and quality aspects should be considered for each operation of the cold chain.
With respect to food safety, a HACCP plan should be developed, as appropriate, for each operation in the
cold chain.
Cold chain control is also important with respect to food quality. Essential quality provisions2
can apply at
various points in the processing and handling system. While control of essential quality provisions may be
considered optional, control of food safety hazards through prerequisite programs and a HACCP plan should
be used, as appropriate, to ensure safety.
4.1 RAW MATERIALS
Raw materials used should be safe, sound and suitable for further processing.
Procedures should be in place to ensure quality and safety of incoming materials. Freezing cannot improve
quality, and it is necessary to use raw materials of optimum quality. Many raw materials and food products
are highly perishable and should be handled carefully to maintain their quality until the freezing process is
initiated.
Initial microbial levels in raw materials to be frozen should be kept as low as possible, both for food safety
and quality reasons. Temperatures and duration of storage should be appropriately and regularly controlled to
minimize adverse microbial effects. Most quality deterioration, including the development of off odours and
flavours and changes in colours and texture are due to microbial growth or enzymatic activity.