What should be avoided when receiving frozen food products?

When receiving frozen food products, it is important to avoid accepting items with ice crystals. The presence of ice crystals indicates that the food has been subjected to temperature fluctuations, which might mean that it has partially thawed and refrozen. This can compromise the quality of the food, leading to changes in texture and taste. More critically, it raises food safety concerns, as fluctuating temperatures can promote the growth of harmful bacteria. Ensuring that frozen foods are received in a stable, consistently frozen state helps maintain their safety and quality, which is essential for food handling practices.

While bulk frozen foods might present challenges in storage and may not be the ideal choice for every operation, they aren't inherently unsafe. Well-labeled frozen foods are beneficial for identification and traceability, and shelf-stable frozen foods generally do not exist, as all frozen foods are intended to be stored in a frozen state to prevent spoilage. Thus, avoiding frozen foods with ice crystals is the key focus when ensuring safe food handling practices.