Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 44, November 2, 2024
Section 37.125 - In-plant freezing(a) During the freezing cycle products shall be cooled to 50°F or lower within 2 hours.(b) Products shall then be reduced to 0°F. by approved commercial practice.(c) When necessary products shall be protected so that dehydration and discoloration will not occur during the freezing cycle.(d) The freezer shall be precooled to an air temperature of 0°F before loading. During loading, however, the freezer may rise to temperatures above 0°F for short periods of time.(e) If cold air is used as the freezing medium the product shall be arranged by staggering the individual items or by employing dunnage, spacers or other suitable methods to permit satisfactory circulation of cold air around the products. The cold air shall be circulated by a positive method; natural air circulation shall not be satisfactory.(f) The freezer and associated equipment used for handling the product shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition at all times.(g) A suitable indicating or recording instrument shall be used to measure the temperature of the cooling medium, that is, air, liquid, refrigerated plates or pipe coils.(h) Packaged items shall be frozen in a manner that will result in a minimum amount of bulging or distortion.(i) After the freezing cycle the frozen product shall be transferred to a storage facility as quickly as possible.