CODEX STAN 95-1981 Standard for Quick Frozen Lobsters
1. SCOPE
This standard applies to quick frozen raw or cooked lobsters, rock lobsters, spiny lobsters and slipper lobsters.1
2. DESCRIPTION Furthermore it applies to quick frozen raw or cooked squat lobsters (red and yellow).
2.1. The product is prepared from lobsters from the genus Homarus of the family Nephropidae and from the families Palinuridae and Scyllaridae. It may also be prepared from Nephrops norvegicus provided it is presented as Norway lobster. For squat lobsters the product is prepared from species of Cervimunida johnii, Pleuroncodes monodon and Pleuroncodes planipes of the family Galatheidae.
2.1.2 The pack shall not contain a mixture of species.
2.2 PROCESS DEFINITION
The water used for cooking shall be of potable quality or clean seawater.
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 -18°C 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.
Quick frozen lobsters shall be processed and packaged so as to minimize dehydration and oxidation.
