Frozen Chopped Carrots
Description
Technical Parameters
Blanched · Individually Quick Frozen · Export Bulk Supply
IQF Frozen Chopped Carrots with Contract-Ready Cut and Defect Limits
We supply peeled, cut, blanched and individually quick-frozen carrots for importers, food factories, ready-meal producers, vegetable blenders, foodservice distributors and private-label programs. The main product is plain IQF carrot dice or chopped carrot made from Daucus carota L., with no salt, sugar, glaze or additive.
"Chopped" is not a sufficient purchase specification. We define the cut as fine chopped, dice, chunk, slice, crinkle slice or julienne; then fix nominal dimensions, tolerance, undersize, blemishes, peel, woodiness, clumping, microbiology, packing and release documents.
Product evidence: individual carrot dice show cut shape, natural colour variation and free-flowing frozen condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are IQF frozen chopped carrots?
They are fresh carrot roots that are washed, peeled, trimmed, chopped or diced, blanched and individually quick frozen. Our plain specification contains 100% carrot.
2. What is the difference between chopped and diced carrots?
Chopped normally describes irregular pieces, while diced describes approximate cubes. We sell 3–5 mm chopped material and 5–12 mm dice under separate size and tolerance lines.
3. Which frozen carrot cut sizes are available?
Regular offers include 5, 6, 8, 10 and 12 mm dice; 15 and 20 mm chunks; 20–40 mm random cuts; 2–10 mm slices; and 3×3, 4×4 or 5×5×30–50 mm strips.
4. Are frozen chopped carrots blanched or fully cooked?
They are blanched for process stability but are not fully cooked. The label instruction is to cook before eating until the product core reaches at least 80°C.
5. Can chopped carrots be frozen for industrial use?
Yes. IQF processing keeps pieces separate for metered dosing, blending and portioning. The contracted cut, fines, clusters and frozen temperature determine performance on an industrial line.
6. What does Grade A frozen carrot mean?
Our Grade A starting specification requires at least 90% declared size, total physical defects no more than 10%, blemished material no more than 5% and seriously blemished material no more than 0.75%.
7. How is free-flowing condition measured?
A cluster is three or more pieces welded together and not separable without damage. Grade A allows no more than 5% clusters and Premium no more than 3%.
8. How are peel, green pieces and dark spots controlled?
The physical release table separately limits unpeeled areas, green material, blemishes, seriously blemished pieces and woody cores. Critical foreign material and rotten or mouldy material have zero tolerance.
9. What microbiological limits are used?
The standard panel includes APC ≤100,000 CFU/g, coliforms ≤100, E. coli <10, yeast and mould ≤1,000 each, and no Salmonella or Listeria monocytogenes in 25 g.
10. What information appears on the carrot batch COA?
The COA states lot identity, dates, cut, grade, acceptance limits, actual results, methods, units and release conclusion. Contracted microbiology, heavy metals and pesticide results are tied to the represented lot.
11. Are organic frozen chopped carrots available?
Organic wording is used only for a production lot covered by a current certificate, certified site and organic transaction records. Conventional product is quoted without an organic claim.
12. What are the standard packing and MOQ?
Standard bulk packing is 1×10 kg, with 4×2.5 kg and 10×1 kg foodservice options. MOQ is 10 MT for standard bulk and 15 MT for a new private-label pack.
13. Can you supply private-label frozen carrots?
Yes. We prepare 300 g to 1 kg retail formats and review film size, artwork, language, barcode, nutrition panel, cooking instruction, date code and carton marks.
14. Can frozen carrots ship in a mixed container?
Yes. Mixed plans start from 3–5 MT per SKU when production timing, carton dimensions, pallet pattern and documents are compatible. A 40 ft high-cube reefer carries about 24 MT floor-loaded or 22 MT palletised.
15. What should be included in a frozen chopped carrot RFQ?
Send cut form, nominal dimensions, tolerance, grade, defect limits, application test, microbiological and chemical panel, packing, quantity, destination, Incoterm, documents and shipment month.
Request a Comparable Frozen Chopped Carrot Quotation
Use this order line: form + nominal size/tolerance + Grade A/Premium + defect limits + fixed cook test + micro/chemical panel + pack + quantity + destination + Incoterm + shipment month.
Example: IQF carrot dice, 10×10×10 mm ±2 mm, Grade A, ≥90% in size, total defects ≤10%, clusters ≤5%, 1×10 kg carton, standard COA plus EU pesticide panel, 22 MT palletised, CIF Rotterdam, October shipment.
Define Frozen Chopped Carrots Before Comparing Quotations
A low quotation may describe a different cut, a wider defect allowance or a product with more fines and clusters. We make the comparison measurable before production.
| Commercial term | Exact contract meaning | Why it changes cost or use |
|---|---|---|
| Chopped | Irregular 3–5 mm pieces, or a buyer-defined chopped screen | Controls dispersion in fillings, sauces and fine vegetable blends. |
| Diced | Approximate cubes with edges no greater than 12.5 mm; our regular offers are 5, 6, 8, 10 and 12 mm | Sets portion appearance, cook time and in-size yield. |
| Chunks / cuts | 15 or 20 mm large cubes, or 20–40 mm random pieces | Large pieces remain visible in soups and prepared meals. |
| Grade A | ≥90% declared size; total physical defects ≤10%; seriously blemished material ≤0.75% | Creates a repeatable commercial release level. |
| Premium | ≥95% declared size; total physical defects ≤5%; seriously blemished material ≤0.50% | Reduces re-sorting and visible variation in retail or premium prepared foods. |
Buyer Risks and GreenLand-food Control Points
We state nominal dimensions, tolerance, in-size percentage and undersize limit instead of using "standard cut."
We grade blemishes, green material, peel residue and fibrous or woody cores against defined limits.
We link cut size to blanching and a fixed cook test, including piece identity and breakage.
We drain before IQF, verify free flow, measure clusters and maintain the product at −18°C or below.
We connect the product specification, batch COA, test reports, packing and shipment identifiers.
We review net weight, inner bag, label language, barcode, carton marks, pallet plan and destination requirements.
Product Forms, Exact Sizes and Tolerances
The dimensional tolerance below is our quotation starting point. The release test reports both the nominal tolerance and the percentage of pieces that fall within it.
| Form | Available dimensions | Tolerance / in-size release | Commercial application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine chopped | 3–5 mm irregular cut | ≥90% retained between the agreed screens | Fillings, sauces, fine blends, further purée processing |
| Dice / cubes | 5×5×5, 6×6×6, 8×8×8, 10×10×10, 12×12×12 mm | 5–6 mm: ±1 mm; 8–12 mm: ±2 mm; Grade A ≥90%, Premium ≥95% | Mixed vegetables, soups, sauces, ready meals, retail packs |
| Chunks / large cuts | 15×15×15, 20×20×20 mm; random cut 20–40 mm | Nominal cubes ±3 mm; random cut ≥90% within declared range | Foodservice, stews and visibly chunky prepared foods |
| Straight / crinkle slices | 2–4, 4–6, 6–8, 8–10 mm thick; diameter ≤50 mm | Thickness ±1.5 mm; ≥90% in range | Foodservice sides, meal kits and retail vegetable packs |
| Julienne / strips | 3×3, 4×4 or 5×5 mm cross-section; 30–50 mm length | Cross-section ±1 mm; length ≥85% in 30–50 mm | Asian prepared foods, vegetable blends and industrial fillings |
| Whole / finger | Finger length ≥30 mm; whole carrot diameter classes by order | Size label and diameter class printed on sales pack | Foodservice, roasting and premium side dishes |
Form evidence: crinkle slices are quoted by thickness, diameter and broken-piece allowance.
Match the Cut to the Production Line
Use 6, 8 or 10 mm dice with ≥90% in-size pieces and ≤5% clusters so carrots blend evenly with peas, corn or beans.
Use 5–10 mm dice for rapid heat penetration, or 12–20 mm cuts when visible vegetable identity must remain.
Use 8–12 mm dice or 4–8 mm slices and define the reheating test, breakage and texture endpoint.
Use 3–5 mm chopped material; baby-food or sensitive programs add the agreed pesticide panel and tighter microbiology.
Use crinkle slices, julienne or chunks in 2.5 kg inner bags to reduce handling and preserve portion control.
Use a validated retail fill weight, artwork, barcode, cooking statement and destination-language label.
Metal Detection Is Recorded, Not Implied
The detector sensitivity, challenge-piece result, time, operator and disposition are linked to the packing lot. The final set point can become tighter for smaller bags when product effect and equipment validation permit.
Critical foreign material has a zero release tolerance. A failed challenge triggers line stop, affected-lot isolation, re-screening and documented release.
Equipment evidence: packaged frozen food passes a validated detection step before final release.
Microbiological and Chemical COA Release Panel
The batch COA identifies product, order number, production lot, production date, best-before date, sample date, test method, unit, acceptance limit, actual result and release conclusion. The following limits form the standard export starting panel.
| Microbiological item | Release limit | Reporting unit |
|---|---|---|
| Aerobic plate count | ≤100,000 | CFU/g |
| Enterobacteriaceae | ≤1,000 | CFU/g |
| Coliforms | ≤100 | CFU/g |
| Escherichia coli | <10 | CFU/g |
| Yeast | ≤1,000 | CFU/g |
| Mould | ≤1,000 | CFU/g |
| Bacillus cereus | ≤1,000 | CFU/g |
| Coagulase-positive Staphylococcus | ≤100 | CFU/g |
| Salmonella | Absent | 25 g |
| Listeria monocytogenes | Absent | 25 g |
| Chemical / compliance item | Release limit | COA / report statement |
|---|---|---|
| Lead (Pb) | ≤0.10 mg/kg | Result and method reported for the represented lot |
| Cadmium (Cd) | ≤0.10 mg/kg | Result and method reported for the represented lot |
| Sulphur dioxide / sulphites | <10 mg/kg as SO₂ | Plain carrot specification contains no added sulphite |
| Pesticide residues | Each analyte ≤ destination-market MRL; EU default 0.01 mg/kg where no specific MRL exists | Multi-residue panel identifies analyte, LOQ and measured result |
| Mineral impurities | ≤0.10% m/m | Whole-product result |
| Added ingredients | None in plain IQF specification | Ingredient declaration: carrot |
| Irradiation | Not irradiated | Product-status declaration |
COA, Traceability and Export Document File
Product name, cut, grade, lot, dates, physical results, microbiology, chemical results and authorised release.
Raw-material lot, production shift, blanch record, IQF line, packing lot, cold-store location and container number.
Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, origin documentation, health or phytosanitary documents where required.
Current certificate name, issuing body, certified site, scope and validity date are supplied for the contracted facility; organic, Halal or Kosher wording is used only on covered orders.
Packaging, OEM and Loading Plan
| Channel | Pack | Order information fixed before production |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial bulk | 1 × 10 kg PE bag / carton | Bag gauge, carton strength, net weight, lot code, pallet or floor load |
| Foodservice | 4 × 2.5 kg or 10 × 1 kg | Inner-bag dimensions, seal, carton marks, handling and distributor label |
| Retail | 300 g, 400 g, 500 g, 750 g, 900 g, 1 kg | Artwork, language, barcode, nutrition format, cooking statement and date coding |
| Mixed container | 3–5 MT per SKU from compatible production and loading plans | SKU count, carton dimensions, pallet pattern, port and document set |
Cold-chain evidence: finished lots remain in controlled frozen storage before shipment.
Frozen Storage and Receiving Acceptance
- Finished-product core and cold-store target: −18°C or below.
- Reefer set point: −18°C; container is clean, dry, odour-free and pre-cooled before loading.
- Shipment records include lot count, carton condition, container number, seal number and loading temperature.
- Receiving review records product temperature, carton condition, seal, lot code, free flow and visible thaw/refreeze evidence.
- Claim evidence includes photographs before unloading, temperature recorder data, affected carton count, lot codes and retained samples.
A Loading Plan That Matches the Quotation
Floor loading maximises payload; pallet loading improves handling but reduces net tonnage. We state the selected method and expected quantity before the sales contract is issued.
For a 40 ft high-cube reefer, the working reference is about 24 MT floor-loaded or 22 MT palletised. The final carton count follows carton dimensions, pallet height, weight restrictions and route requirements.
Loading evidence: carton condition, temperature, quantity and reefer details are recorded at dispatch.
Commercial Product Specification
This table turns a product name into the fields required for a comparable quotation and repeat-order standard.
| Product name | IQF Frozen Chopped Carrots / IQF Frozen Carrot Dice |
|---|---|
| Ingredient | 100% carrot; no salt, sugar, oil, glaze, preservative or processing aid declared in the plain specification |
| Botanical name | Daucus carota L.; orange processing carrot |
| Origin | Fujian, China; northern-origin programs can load through Qingdao |
| Process | Selected, washed, peeled, trimmed, cut, blanched, cooled, drained, IQF frozen, sorted, inspected, metal detected and packed |
| Cooking status | Blanched but not fully cooked; not ready to eat; heat the product core to at least 80°C before consumption |
| Appearance | Typical bright orange to orange-yellow; clean cut; free flowing; no abnormal odour or flavour |
| Grade | Grade A or Premium release limits shown below |
| Bulk packing | 1 × 10 kg PE-lined carton; 4 × 2.5 kg or 10 × 1 kg bags per carton |
| Retail packing | 300 g, 400 g, 500 g, 750 g, 900 g or 1 kg printed or transparent bag |
| MOQ | 10 MT standard bulk; 15 MT new private-label packing; mixed container from 3–5 MT per SKU |
| Lead time | 15–20 days for standard bulk; 30–40 days for first production with new printed film |
| Loading capacity | 20 ft reefer: 10–12 MT; 40 ft high-cube reefer: about 24 MT floor-loaded or 22 MT palletised |
| Loading port | Xiamen for Fujian production; Qingdao for contracted northern production |
| Trade terms | FOB, CFR/CNF or CIF; frozen reefer shipment |
| Shelf life / storage | 24 months from production at −18°C or below in unopened original packing; do not thaw and refreeze |
| Documents | Product specification, batch COA, invoice, packing list, bill of lading, origin document and contracted microbiological, pesticide or heavy-metal reports |
Grade A and Premium Physical Release Limits
Visual defects are assessed on a 400 g working sample; extraneous vegetable material and small-piece verification use 1,000 g. Critical foreign material is controlled at zero tolerance.
| Release item | Grade A | Premium | Definition / method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Declared size | ≥90% by weight | ≥95% by weight | Piece falls within the nominal tolerance stated in the order |
| Undersize / fines | ≤5.0% | ≤3.0% | Less than one-third of normal piece volume or below the lower screen |
| Total physical defects | ≤10.0% | ≤5.0% | Blemished, damaged, peel, misshapen and woody units combined; no double counting |
| Blemished + seriously blemished | ≤5.0% | ≤2.0% | Dark, brown or intensely discoloured areas |
| Seriously blemished | ≤0.75% | ≤0.50% | Major discolouration or damage that materially affects appearance or use |
| Unpeeled area | ≤1.0% | ≤0.50% | Noticeable peel area larger than a 6 mm diameter circle |
| Green material | ≤0.50% | 0% | Any green colour visible on the finished piece |
| Woody / fibrous units | ≤1.0% | ≤0.50% | Tough core or fibrous piece after the fixed cook test |
| Clusters | ≤5.0% | ≤3.0% | Three or more pieces welded together and not separable without damage |
| Surface ice / frost | ≤2.0% | ≤1.0% | Loose ice separated from product plus excessive adherent frost |
| E.V.M. | ≤2 pieces / 1,000 g | ≤1 piece / 1,000 g | Harmless vegetable material other than mature carrot root |
| Critical foreign material | 0 | 0 | Glass, hard plastic, metal, stone, insects, mould or rotten material |
Inspection evidence: strip dimensions are checked against a stated cross-section and length range.
Fixed Application Test, Not "Tender to Taste"
We use defined water temperature and time so texture results can be repeated between production lots.
| Cut | Test | Release |
|---|---|---|
| 3–6 mm | 98–100°C water, 3 min | Core ≥80°C; characteristic flavour; tender but not hard, woody or mushy; piece identity ≥90%; broken pieces after test ≤5% |
| 8 mm | 98–100°C water, 4 min | |
| 10–12 mm | 98–100°C water, 5–7 min | |
| 15–20 mm chunks | 98–100°C water, 10 min |
Processing Flow and Measurable Checkpoints
- Raw material intake: sound orange carrots; no rot, mould, insect damage, abnormal odour or unacceptable green shoulder.
- Washing, peeling and trimming: soil, crown, secondary roots, peel and damaged tissue are removed before cutting.
- Cutting and grading: screens and direct measurement control the nominal cut, tolerance and fines.
- Blanching: 3–6 mm at 90–95°C for 2–3 min; 8–10 mm at 90–98°C for 3–5 min; 12–20 mm at 90–98°C for 4–7 min. Adequacy is verified by a negative residual-peroxidase check.
- Cooling and dewatering: rapid cooling stops further softening; draining reduces surface ice and welded clusters.
- IQF freezing: pieces are frozen separately and stabilised to a core temperature of −18°C or below.
- Final release: visual grading, weight check, seal review, metal detection, lot coding and frozen storage records are completed.
Process evidence: manual review removes off-size and visibly defective carrot pieces after cutting and freezing.
Product evidence: 15–20 mm chunks are listed separately from dice because their dimensions and cook time differ.
Foreign-Material, Metal and Pack Control
Fe 1.5 mm, non-ferrous 2.0 mm and stainless steel 2.5 mm for a 10 kg bulk format.
At start, every 2 hours, after stoppage or product change, and at end of run; failed checks isolate product since the last acceptable test.
Lot average is not less than declared net weight; an individual 10 kg pack is not less than 9.95 kg.
No open seal, pinhole, contamination in seal, wet carton or unreadable lot code.
Hot Tags: frozen chopped carrots, China frozen chopped carrots manufacturers, suppliers, factory, frozen carrot chunk, frozen fresh carrots, frozen carrot dices, frozen carrot
Technical specification · reference schedule
Frozen Chopped Carrots
We review the selected form, grade, process and packing against the technical schedule below. Published and TDS values are specification references for order review. External benchmarks apply only within their stated scope. Acceptance is governed by the signed SKU specification; the identified lot COA reports actual measured results.
01 / Physical & Sensory
| Parameter | Specification / reference | Verification & order basis |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions - Fine chopped | 3–5 mm irregular cut; ≥90% retained between the agreed screensPublished reference | Confirm method, representative sample and acceptance basis in the signed specification. |
| Dimensions - Dice / cubes | 5 × 5 × 5, 6 × 6 × 6, 8 × 8 × 8, 10 × 10 × 10, 12 × 12 × 12 mm; 5–6 mm: ±1 mm; 8–12 mm: ±2 mm; Grade A ≥90%, Premium ≥95%Published reference | Confirm method, representative sample and acceptance basis in the signed specification. |
| Dimensions - Chunks / large cuts | 15 × 15 × 15, 20 × 20 × 20 mm; random cut 20–40 mm; Nominal cubes ±3 mm; random cut ≥90% within declared rangePublished reference | Measure a defined frozen sample with caliper or size gauge; report distribution and tolerance. |
| Botanical name | Daucus carota L.; orange processing carrotPublished reference | Check raw-material identity and variety/source declaration against the ordered programme. |
| Origin | Fujian, China; northern-origin programs can load through QingdaoPublished reference | Reconcile source declaration, intake lot and shipment documents. |
| Appearance | Typical bright orange to orange-yellow; clean cut; free flowing; no abnormal odour or flavourPublished reference | Compare with the approved sensory reference using the stated frozen/thawed/prepared condition. |
| Grade | Grade A or Premium release limits shown belowPublished reference | Confirm method, representative sample and acceptance basis in the signed specification. |
| Declared size - Grade A | ≥90% by weightPublished reference | Piece falls within the nominal tolerance stated in the order. Programme: Grade A. |
| Declared size - Premium | ≥95% by weightPublished reference | Piece falls within the nominal tolerance stated in the order. Programme: Premium. |
| Particle-size distribution | Define the desired cut range and separate undersize fines from oversize pieces. | Sieve or gauge a defined frozen sample; state each size fraction and denominator. |
| Declared product form | Chopped pieces | Match approved sample, pack label and order form. Published page identity; approve selected grade before order. |
| Sensory acceptance | Characteristic colour, flavour and texture for the declared product; no abnormal odour or visibly deteriorated material.External reference Codex | Compare an identified frozen sample with the approved grade and defect schedule. External technical reference; confirm SKU and market applicability. |
02 / Physicochemical & Residue Controls
| Parameter | Specification / reference | Verification & order basis |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical / compliance item - Release limit | Release limitPublished reference | Use a validated analytical method for this matrix; report sample basis, unit, preparation and lot result. Programme: Release limit. |
| Lead (Pb) - Release limit | ≤0.10 mg/kgPublished reference | Use a validated analytical method for this matrix; report sample basis, unit, preparation and lot result. Programme: Release limit. Published commercial target; verify current destination limits, edible-part basis and any processing factor before approval. |
| Cadmium (Cd) - Release limit | ≤0.10 mg/kgPublished reference | Use a validated analytical method for this matrix; report sample basis, unit, preparation and lot result. Programme: Release limit. Published commercial target; verify current destination limits, edible-part basis and any processing factor before approval. |
| Pesticide residues - Release limit | Each analyte ≤ destination-market MRL; EU default 0.01 mg/kg where no specific MRL existsPublished reference | Use a validated analytical method for this matrix; report sample basis, unit, preparation and lot result. Programme: Release limit. |
| Mineral impurities - Release limit | ≤0.10% m/mPublished reference | Use a validated analytical method for this matrix; report sample basis, unit, preparation and lot result. Programme: Release limit. |
| Codex reference: mineral impurities | ≤0.1 % m/mExternal reference Codex | Whole-product basis; use the relevant CXS 234-1999 analysis method. Quick-frozen carrot roots (Daucus carota), peeled and cleaned; the annex permits blanched or unblanched carrots. Confirm SKU identity; assess the carrot ingredient separately if a coating or glaze is added. The cited Codex standard excludes products indicated for further industrial processing. |
| Pesticide residue schedule | Named active ingredients and commodity-specific limits are selected for the destination market. EU source | Link farm spray history, laboratory LOQ and batch result to the destination MRL. EU database is one market reference; apply the actual destination rule. |
| Lead, cadmium and other contaminants | Apply the limit for the exact commodity and processed form in the destination market. EU source | State analyte, preparation basis, method, LOQ and lot result. Do not transfer a fresh-commodity limit to a processed form without the required assessment. |
03 / Microbiological Criteria
| Parameter | Specification / reference | Verification & order basis |
|---|---|---|
| Aerobic plate count - Release limit | ≤100,000 CFU/gPublished reference | Report the named organism, analytical method, sample mass, sampling plan and lot result; use CFU/g for enumeration and a stated mass for detection. Programme: Release limit. |
| Enterobacteriaceae - Release limit | ≤1,000 CFU/gPublished reference | Report the named organism, analytical method, sample mass, sampling plan and lot result; use CFU/g for enumeration and a stated mass for detection. Programme: Release limit. |
| Coliforms - Release limit | ≤100 CFU/gPublished reference | Report the named organism, analytical method, sample mass, sampling plan and lot result; use CFU/g for enumeration and a stated mass for detection. Programme: Release limit. |
| Escherichia coli - Release limit | <10 CFU/gPublished reference | Report the named organism, analytical method, sample mass, sampling plan and lot result; use CFU/g for enumeration and a stated mass for detection. Programme: Release limit. |
| Yeast - Release limit | ≤1,000 CFU/gPublished reference | Report the named organism, analytical method, sample mass, sampling plan and lot result; use CFU/g for enumeration and a stated mass for detection. Programme: Release limit. |
| Mould - Release limit | ≤1,000 CFU/gPublished reference | Report the named organism, analytical method, sample mass, sampling plan and lot result; use CFU/g for enumeration and a stated mass for detection. Programme: Release limit. |
| Bacillus cereus - Release limit | ≤1,000 CFU/gPublished reference | Report the named organism, analytical method, sample mass, sampling plan and lot result; use CFU/g for enumeration and a stated mass for detection. Programme: Release limit. |
| Coagulase-positive Staphylococcus - Release limit | ≤100 CFU/gPublished reference | Report the named organism, analytical method, sample mass, sampling plan and lot result; use CFU/g for enumeration and a stated mass for detection. Programme: Release limit. |
| Salmonella - Release limit | Absent 25 gPublished reference | Report the named organism, analytical method, sample mass, sampling plan and lot result; use CFU/g for enumeration and a stated mass for detection. Programme: Release limit. |
| Listeria monocytogenes - Release limit | Absent 25 gPublished reference | Report the named organism, analytical method, sample mass, sampling plan and lot result; use CFU/g for enumeration and a stated mass for detection. Programme: Release limit. |
| Acceptance schedule | Select the test panel and limits by intended use (ready-to-eat or further processing), product form and destination. EU source | State organism, analytical method, sample mass and n/c plan; report actual lot results. A universal APC, coliform, Salmonella or Listeria limit is not assigned to every frozen product. |
04 / Freezing & Cold Chain
| Parameter | Specification / reference | Verification & order basis |
|---|---|---|
| Shelf life / storage | 24 months from production at −18°C or below in unopened original packing; do not thaw and refreezePublished reference | Verify unopened-pack validation, declared storage condition and production/best-before coding. |
| Separation & loose-ice assessment | Keep inherent moisture, loose ice and permanently frozen clusters as separate inspection categories. | Weigh separated loose ice and welded clusters against initial sample mass; distinguish natural paired pieces or blocks. |
| Product thermal centre | −18°C or colder after freezing and thermal stabilization; maintain the agreed frozen distribution condition.External reference Codex | Probe the thickest representative pack and retain storage/transport temperature records. Codex quick-frozen reference; selected product form and route must be frozen. |
| Frozen condition at dispatch | Hard frozen, correctly sealed and coded, without thaw/refreeze evidence or excessive loose ice. Codex | Check pack integrity, free-flow or block condition as declared, carton condition and loading temperature. |
05 / Pack Size & Shelf Life
| Parameter | Specification / reference | Verification & order basis |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk packing | 1 × 10 kg PE-lined carton; 4 × 2.5 kg or 10 × 1 kg bags per cartonPublished reference | Check approved pack drawing, calibrated scale and production records. |
| Retail packing | 300 g, 400 g, 500 g, 750 g, 900 g or 1 kg printed or transparent bagPublished reference | Check approved pack drawing, calibrated scale and production records. |
| Declared net contents | Verify each selected pack format against the artwork and applicable quantity-control rule. Codex | Calibrated checkweigher or scale; defined sample and tare. |
| Shelf-life basis | The labelled period applies only to its validated pack and continuous stated storage condition. Codex | Review stability study or approved shelf-life file and production-date code. |
06 / Process Controls
| Parameter | Specification / reference | Verification & order basis |
|---|---|---|
| Process | Selected, washed, peeled, trimmed, cut, blanched, cooled, drained, IQF frozen, sorted, inspected, metal detected and packedPublished reference | Check the approved product flow, line settings and identified production record; validate numerical critical limits within the site HACCP plan. |
| Raw-material preparation checks | Check peeling and top/tail trimming before cutting; distinguish plain IQF from a formulated glaze. | Verify the selected product flow and the relevant trimming, sorting and pretreatment record. |
| Blanching / enzyme inactivation | Time and temperature are product- and cut-specific; confirm residual-enzyme endpoint when relevant. Codex | Record validated line set-points and product sample test; assess colour and texture after treatment. Only classify as a CCP when the site's HACCP plan identifies it as one. |
| Cooling and dewatering | Control prompt cooling and surface-water removal before IQF to avoid clumping and loose ice. Codex | Review line time/temperature record, draining check and frozen separation. |
| CCP designation | Use the site-approved HACCP plan to identify true CCPs and their validated critical limits. Codex | Check hazard analysis, monitoring, deviation and corrective-action records. A quality-control step is not automatically a CCP. |
07 / Ingredients, Additives & Allergens
| Parameter | Specification / reference | Verification & order basis |
|---|---|---|
| Sulphur dioxide / sulphites - Release limit | <10 mg/kg as SO₂Published reference | Verify approved formula, supplier declarations and line-specific allergen assessment. Programme: Release limit. |
| Added ingredients - Release limit | None in plain IQF specificationPublished reference | Verify approved formula, supplier declarations and line-specific allergen assessment. Programme: Release limit. |
| Ingredient | 100% carrot; no salt, sugar, oil, glaze, preservative or processing aid declared in the plain specificationPublished reference | Verify approved formula, supplier declarations and line-specific allergen assessment. |
| Added glaze / coating declaration | Declare any intentionally added water glaze, syrup, oil or coating and the measurement basis; loose ice is assessed separately. | Verify formula/addition records; agree a deglazing or coating test and net-content basis where applicable. |
| Additive use | Declare any colour-protection agent, acidulant or other additive by ingredient and maximum permitted use for the target market. NHC standard | Check approved formula, actual addition record and market-specific additive category. GB 2760-2024 applies to China; export rules are checked separately. |
| Allergen and cross-contact assessment | Declare inherent allergens and assess shared-line cross-contact from the actual facility schedule. FDA | Review line matrix, cleaning validation and buyer label approval. Do not claim a shared-line allergen or allergen-free status without facility evidence. |
08 / Defects & Foreign Matter
| Parameter | Specification / reference | Verification & order basis |
|---|---|---|
| Undersize / fines - Grade A | ≤5.0%Published reference | Less than one-third of normal piece volume or below the lower screen. Programme: Grade A. |
| Undersize / fines - Premium | ≤3.0%Published reference | Less than one-third of normal piece volume or below the lower screen. Programme: Premium. |
| Total physical defects - Grade A | ≤10.0%Published reference | Blemished, damaged, peel, misshapen and woody units combined; no double counting. Programme: Grade A. |
| Total physical defects - Premium | ≤5.0%Published reference | Blemished, damaged, peel, misshapen and woody units combined; no double counting. Programme: Premium. |
| Blemished + seriously blemished - Grade A | ≤5.0%Published reference | Dark, brown or intensely discoloured areas. Programme: Grade A. |
| Blemished + seriously blemished - Premium | ≤2.0%Published reference | Dark, brown or intensely discoloured areas. Programme: Premium. |
| Seriously blemished - Grade A | ≤0.75%Published reference | Major discolouration or damage that materially affects appearance or use. Programme: Grade A. |
| Seriously blemished - Premium | ≤0.50%Published reference | Major discolouration or damage that materially affects appearance or use. Programme: Premium. |
| Clusters - Grade A | ≤5.0%Published reference | Three or more pieces welded together and not separable without damage. Programme: Grade A. |
| Clusters - Premium | ≤3.0%Published reference | Three or more pieces welded together and not separable without damage. Programme: Premium. |
| Surface ice / frost - Grade A | ≤2.0%Published reference | Loose ice separated from product plus excessive adherent frost. Programme: Grade A. |
| Surface ice / frost - Premium | ≤1.0%Published reference | Loose ice separated from product plus excessive adherent frost. Programme: Premium. |
| Critical foreign material - Grade A | 0Published reference | Glass, hard plastic, metal, stone, insects, mould or rotten material. Programme: Grade A. |
| Critical foreign material - Premium | 0Published reference | Glass, hard plastic, metal, stone, insects, mould or rotten material. Programme: Premium. |
| Intrinsic defect classification | Green shoulder, peel, root hairs, black spots, woody fibres and damaged cuts. | Record each defect class separately by count or mass; state sample size, denominator and combined-limit rules. |
| Hazardous foreign matter | No foreign matter detected in the defined inspection sample; reject and investigate any finding.External reference Codex | Define visual-inspection sample size and detector challenge in the signed quality schedule. "None detected" is a sampling statement, not an absolute guarantee of zero particles. |
09 / Packaging Materials & Label
| Parameter | Specification / reference | Verification & order basis |
|---|---|---|
| Food-contact pack | Specify inner-contact material and obtain the applicable food-contact compliance declaration. NHC standard | Review film structure, supplier DoC, migration evidence and actual intended conditions. GB 4806 series is China-specific; EU export also checks Regulations 1935/2004 and 10/2011. |
| Carton and seal integrity | Define carton stacking strength, bag seal and puncture resistance for the confirmed net weight and pallet plan. EU source | Inspect pack drawing, compression/seal test and shipment configuration. |
| Label verification | Match product name, ingredient/allergen statement, net weight, lot/date, shelf life and storage instruction to the destination artwork. Codex | Approve artwork against the signed specification and destination rules. |
10 / Detection & Traceability
| Parameter | Specification / reference | Verification & order basis |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign-body detector | Validate Fe, non-Fe and stainless-steel challenge pieces for the actual product, aperture, pack and line; record the proven sensitivity. Codex | Challenge at defined start, changeover, interval and end points; retain rejection records. Do not copy generic detector sizes into a plant capability claim. |
| Lot traceability | Link input source lot, processing run, packaging code, test records, frozen storage and shipment to one finished lot. Codex | Trace one sample lot forward and backward in a recorded mock recall. Recall speed is stated only when the site has a validated target and record. |
Previous
Frozen Glazed Carrots
