Time & Temperature ControlQuestion 203 of 319
A delivery of frozen shrimp arrives. The cook notices large ice crystals on the inside of the bag and ice clumps frozen at the bottom. What does this most likely indicate?
a.The truck refrigeration was set too cold
b.The shrimp partially thawed and were refrozen, which is a rejection point
c.Normal — shrimp always have crystals when delivered
d.The shrimp were over-frozen and are safer than usual
Explanation
Visible large ice crystals and frozen pools of liquid in a package indicate the product thawed at some point during transport and was refrozen. Pathogens may have grown during the thaw, so the shipment should be rejected and noted on the invoice. Frozen TCS food must arrive frozen solid, with no signs of thawing.
Law Reference: FDA Food Code 3-202.11This topic, taught in full in the Food Handler Card guide. Food Handler Card — Complete Study Guide (2026) — PDF + EPUB, $9.99 · 14-day refund →
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