Blast freezing counts as complete once the thermal centre reaches -18 °C and the temperature has stabilised; every minute in warm, humid air after exit gives that gain back. The Codex code of practice therefore asks for product to move to cold storage as quickly as possible on leaving the freezer.
Record the exit time with the lot number, the arrival at the destination and any waiting points; the exit time written on the tray shows how long the product sat on the bench. If the packing line is slow, the line sets the time outside, so do not empty the cabinet until the line is ready. If the route is long, an insulated container separates the product from ambient air; the GEBHARDT Isotec TBX holds the cold chain for up to 24 hours with eutectic plates.
If product goes to a vehicle without passing through storage, the vehicle is pre-cooled before loading, product temperature is checked at loading, and the product starts the trip at -18 °C or colder. Codex also asks that the warmest package never exceeds -12 °C.
