Main Characteristics

What do you think of when you hear the word "frozen food"? Hamburgers? Shrimp gratin? Or cut fruits? There are many frozen foods in this world.

But, do you have a clear definition of frozen foods and their appeal?

Frozen food refers to food that meets the following four main conditions.

• Pre-processed

  The main feature of this product is that it is pre-processed on behalf of the consumer.

  For example, fish, the head, internal organs, bones, and fins are removed. Then, the fish is grated into three pieces, filleted, or breaded so that consumers can fry it without doing all the process.

• Quick Freeze

  As the name "quick freeze" implies, one of the main features of this product is that it is frozen rapidly. The food is quick-frozen at a very low temperature to prevent the destruction of the food's tissues and changes in quality.

  Ref. Quick Freeze >

• Packed Properly

  They are packaged to prevent them from getting dirty or misshapen before they reach the consumer's hands. On the package, it shows much information, such as handling and cooking instructions.

• Stored in a Cold Place

  Throughout the production, storage, transportation, delivery, and sales stages, food is consistently managed to keep the temperature below -18℃ (-0.4℉).

At temperatures below -18℃ (-0.4℉), bacteria cannot grow and food does not degrades.

Frozen foods have the following five attractions.

• Maintain Original Nutrition

  Frozen foods are rapidly frozen at low temperatures so that they retain their flavor and nutrition. As a result, when people properly thaw them, they can recreate freshly caught or freshly prepared foods.

• Hygiene

  Frozen foods are controlled at temperatures below -18℃ (-0.4℉). Bacteria cause spoilage and food poisoning. However, they cannot operate below -18℃ (-0.4℉). Frozen foods are kept at a low temperature of -18℃ (-0.4℉) or lower from production to sale. Thus, frozen foods are hygienic.

• Can Be Stored and Stocked

  It is a highly convenient food because you can eat it whenever you want, regardless of the season, and it can be stored. Since you can keep it while, you can also buy beforehand, which is helpful when you can't go shopping.

• Eco-friendly, Since You Don’t Need to Waste Food

  Frozen foods are pre-processed, so there is no waste. In addition, they are very environmentally friendly because you can use only the amount you want to eat when you want to.

• Safely Managed

  Frozen food products, made by manufacturers who are members of the Japan Frozen Food Association, are made under the system called Frozen Food Certification System. This system includes thorough control of raw materials, checking of manufacturing processes, employee training, and other safety measures. "Certification mark" would be given to the products that comply with the certification system.