Freezer burn meaning refers to surface dehydration on frozen product caused by ice sublimation when packaging is damaged or permeable, or when storage temperatures fluctuate, resulting in dry, discoloured patches and off-flavours.
In trade practice
QA teams identify freezer burn visually at incoming inspection by looking for white, grey or brownish dry patches on the product surface, and confirm it by assessing texture and odour. The defect is most common where packaging seals have failed, liner gauge is insufficient or cold-chain breaks have occurred repeatedly. Suppliers reduce risk through adequate packaging specification, glazing of susceptible products and continuous temperature monitoring throughout storage and transport. Buyers may reject or renegotiate on affected lots, supported by temperature logger records and photographic evidence.
In a specification
Specifications typically state that product must be free from freezer burn, with packaging required to maintain an airtight seal and meet a minimum liner thickness adequate for the agreed storage and transit duration.