CODEX STAN 190-1995 General Standard for Quick Frozen Fish Fillets
1. SCOPE
This standard applies to quick frozen fillets of fish as defined below and offered for direct consumption without further processing. It does not apply to products indicated as intended for further processing or for other industrial purposes.
2. DESCRIPTION
2.1 PRODUCT DEFINITION
Quick frozen fillets are slices of fish of irregular size and shape which are removed from the carcass of the same species of fish suitable for human consumption by cuts made parallel to the backbone and sections of such fillets cut so as to facilitate packing, and processed in accordance with the process definitions given in Section 2.2.
2.2 PROCESS DEFINITION
The product after any suitable preparation shall be subjected to a freezing process and shall comply with the conditions laid down hereafter. The freezing process shall be carried out in appropriate equipment in such a way that the range of temperature of maximum crystallization is passed quickly. The quick freezing process shall not be regarded as complete unless and until the product temperature has reached -18ºC (0ºF) or colder at the thermal centre after thermal stabilization. The product shall be kept deep frozen so as to maintain the quality during transportation, storage and distribution.
These products shall be processed and packaged so as to minimize dehydration and oxidation.
The recognized practice of repacking quick frozen products under controlled conditions which will maintain the quality of the product, followed by the reapplication of the quick freezing process as defined, is permitted.
