Scope, Purpose, Areas of Interest and Format of Panel meetings

Scope

Technical and scientific issues related to the chilled and frozen food manufacturing sectors, its suppliers and the retailing sector. The panel has a broad membership of food producers, equipment suppliers, packaging suppliers, R&D laboratories, food wholesalers and retailers. Panel members are actively involved in technical, quality and safety management roles, and attend panel meetings to broaden and update their knowledge across the chilled and frozen foods spectrum. Meetings discuss the commercial opportunities and implications of scientific R&D, the impact of new and emerging technological developments, the business significance of developing legislation and other common challenges.

Purpose

• To review, monitor and mentor member-funded CCFRA projects relevant to the chilled and frozen food sectors
• To provide guidance to CCFRA on areas requiring further research or provision of services to benefit the chilled and frozen food sectors
• To share non-confidential information on issues, roles, trends and knowledge relevant to chilled and frozen foods between its members and members of other CCFRA panels
• To keep abreast of current and future legislation that will have an impact on chilled and frozen food manufacturers and their supply chains
• To maintain awareness of innovative R&D or scientific and technological developments that might impact the chilled and frozen sectors in the future.
• To discuss and share best practice relating to the sustainable production and supply of chilled and frozen foods

Areas of Interest

Raw materials and ingredients:
Addressing the needs of functionality, quality, integrity, sourcing, traceability, sustainability and cost-effectiveness

Manufacturing, food preparation and supply:
The efficient, innovative and sustainable processing of chilled and frozen foods

Product quality and innovation:
The optimum combination of materials, processing and packaging for improved shelf life, safety and quality

Food and the consumer:
Understanding the consumer attitude to food, diet and health, including the adoption of new and innovative processing technologies

Food and drink safety:
Identification and reduction of current and emerging chemical, physical and biological risks for chilled and frozen foods, and the development and application of methods for monitoring and reducing food safety hazards

Knowledge management:
Timely communication of scientific, technical, market and regulatory issues affecting the chilled and frozen food manufacturing and supply chains

Format of panel meetings

Panel meetings are held three times per year and will be a combination of presentations (both from the RA and from external presenters), discussion on topical issues and updates on new and emerging legislation. Meetings also provide an opportunity to network with other panel members.

Examples of items presented and discussed at previous panel meetings include:

• Updates on new and emerging food legislation relevant to food chilling and freezing
• 'Green refrigeration' and energy efficiency in food refrigeration
• Risks of Clostridium botulinum in MAP and VP foods
• Modelling growth and death of food spoilage microorganisms
• Reducing food and packaging wastes from chilled and frozen foods
• Optimising cleaning in high care factory environments
• Novel methods of cleaning and decontaminating surfaces
• Pasteurisation of foods - principles, practices and processes
• Allergens - meeting the challenge of new legislation
• 'Clean label' gums and starches to improve quality of chilled and frozen sauces, fillings and ready meals
• The Fairtrade Foundation
• New technologies for improved energy efficiency in food chilling and freezing
• The application of edible films and coatings to foods
• Managing water, waste and surplus food
• Optimising microwave heating for chilled and frozen foods
• Hot topics in the microbiology of chilled and frozen foods