BLAST / PLATE FREEZING
Cold Processing
Blast / Plate Freezing
PrerequisiteAlso: blast freezer · plate freezer · tunnel freezer
Rapid lowering of product core temperature to ≤ −18°C / 0°F using high-velocity cold air or contact with refrigerated plates.
Typical Hazards
- BBiologicalPathogen survival (freezing not a kill step); recontamination on thaw
- CChemicalGlaze chemical residue; ammonia/CO2 leak from refrigeration
- PPhysicalFrost flakes, condensate ice
Typical Controls
- Core-temperature target with hold time
- Air-flow / product spacing to ensure uniform freeze
- Refrigerant leak detection
Regulatory Citations
2 cross-references across 2 documents
21 CFR Part 117