Recrystallisation is the growth of existing ice crystals during frozen storage, driven by temperature fluctuations, which damages cell structure, increases drip loss and accelerates quality decline without the product fully thawing.
In trade practice
Cold chain managers use continuous temperature loggers to detect fluctuations that trigger recrystallisation, particularly during transhipment or storage in poorly controlled warehouses. QA teams assess drip loss and texture at intake as indirect indicators that recrystallisation has occurred. Buyers often specify maximum allowable temperature excursions in supply contracts, and temperature records are reviewed during disputes over quality claims.
In a specification
A supply contract may require that product is maintained at a stable target storage temperature throughout the chain, with logger data provided at delivery as evidence of compliance.