These specifications enable companies to produce quick frozen fruit and vegetables to internationally recognised standards of quality, and so facilitate trade with partners. They can be used as standards in their own right, or as a basis for companies to negotiate their own quality standards. Applicable to both UK and imported food products, these are written and validated by a CCFRA industrial Working Party which includes representatives from food manufacturers, caterers, importers, distributors, co-operatives and retailers. Using text and tables these are practical guides to quality standards, which are unambiguous and easy to interpret. Where appropriate, illustrations are used to clarify terms and definitions used.

Each specification for quick frozen foods adopts the same basic format covering:

• Scope of the specification
• Product grades and grade tolerances
• Product defects, defect definitions and defect tolerances
• Sensory evaluation including appearance, flavour and texture

Specifications are available for a range of quick frozen fruit and vegetables:

L3/7 Sliced Green Beans (2008)

L4/5 Cauliflower Florets (2004)

L5/5 Small Carrots (Amsterdam type) (2003)

L6/4 Brussels Sprouts (2006)

L8/4 Diced Root Vegetables (2006)

L11/5 Potato Chips (2005)

L12/3 Sliced Carrots (rings) (2003)

L13/4 Broccoli Spears (2004)

L14/3 Cut Celery (2003)

L15/3 Strawberries (2003)

L18/3 Sliced Courgettes (2003)

L19/3 Whole Onions (2007)

L20/4 Corn-on-the-Cob (2008)

L47/4 Diced Peppers (2006)

L58/3 Leaf Spinach (2004)

L59/3 Broccoli Florets (2004)

L78/3 Sliced Onions (unblanched) (2004)

L81/3 Diced Onions (unblanched) (2004)

L82/3 Parsnips (2004)

L83/3 Sliced Peppers (unblanched) (2006)

L84/3 Julienne Carrots (2003)

L92/2 Sliced Mushrooms (2007)

L93/2 Whole Mushrooms (2007)

L100/2 Roasting Potatoes(2005)