Receiving & StorageQuestion 147 of 320

During receiving, a case of vacuum-packed (ROP) fish has a loose, puffy seal and the package is no longer tight against the product. What should the receiver do?

a.Accept it because ROP fish lasts a long time
b.Freeze it immediately and use later
c.Reject it, because a compromised reduced-oxygen package can allow Clostridium botulinum growth
d.Open it and smell it to decide

Explanation

A reduced-oxygen (ROP/vacuum) package that is puffy, loose, or leaking must be rejected, because loss of the seal can allow oxygen and temperature abuse leading to Clostridium botulinum growth, whose toxin is deadly and not destroyed by cooking. Accepting or freezing a compromised package does not fix the safety risk, and opening it to smell exposes staff and does not make it safe.

Law Reference: FDA Food Code §3-202.15

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