FAQS

Here are brief answers, compiled by CFA, to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive.

1. Where can I find information to help me with my school project?
2. What market data is available for chilled food in the UK and abroad?
3. What foods do you define as being 'chilled food'?
4. What temperatures are chilled foods stored at?
5. Where can I find details of events, course and exhibitions?
   
6. How can I receive the CFA newsletter?
7. Can I join CFA?

1. Where can I find information to help me with my school project?
   Firstly please make sure that you really are looking for information on chilled food and not, for example, on frozen food. Other organisations deal with other product types - check them out

   High hygiene standards are vital for the production of chilled foods since they are not preserved and rely on careful handling and storage. Visit our information for students page and follow the link to information on principles of food safety.

   We have a number of PowerPoint presentations on our website about what we do and food safety considerations for chilled ready meals.

   Further detailed information including on HACCP in practice, the layout and design of manufacturing facilities, heat processing, staff protocols etc are given in CFA's Best Practice Guidelines for the Production of Chilled Food, which can be ordered from The Stationery Office.

   The vast majority of chilled prepared foods carry nutritional information on their labels. For further information on nutrition please visit www.nutrition.org.uk. Click here for CFA's February 2004 submission to the Department of Health on the salt action plan and here for our September 2004 update.

   For information on ingredients and usage instructions please check labels.

   For information on the types of chilled food on sale in the UK please look at the market data information on our site and survey the ranges of chilled foods sold in supermarkets.

2. What market data is available for chilled food in the UK and abroad?
   There is no official collection of market data either in the UK, EU or internationally. For instance there is no single tariff heading in EU figures for chilled foods, unlike for frozen products.

   Since more than 95% of UK chilled foods are sold under retailers' own labels, e.g. Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Sainsbury, ASDA, market data is particularly hard to come by for the chilled sector.

   The data on our website is derived from Members' own estimates and published reports. There is also an Excel spreadsheet version of this data.

   Beware of comparing this and any other data on chilled food because definitions vary, for example prepared recipe dishes may or may not include

   • uncooked pasta
   • fresh pizza
   • meal accompaniments
   'chilled food' may include dairy products such as yogurt and cheese or fresh (raw) meat.
3. What foods do you define as being 'chilled food'?
   'Chilled food' covers retail prepared chilled foods, which can be ready to eat, ready to heat or which require cooking.

   Click here for a list of groups of chilled foods.

4. What temperatures are chilled foods stored at?
   Chilled foods could not exist without the chill chain.

   Manufacturers work to a target of 5ºC maximum.

   Also see CFA's temperature control page

   We must all play our part in making sure that the final links of the chill chain (transport to and storage at home) is not broken. Use a cool bag for chilled food shopping and make sure that the coldest part of your fridge is working at 5ºC - check it by using a thermometer and adjusting the thermostat until the right temperature is reached.

5. Where can I find details of events, course and exhibitions?
   Visit our list of event links
6. How can I receive the CFA newsletter?
   CFA News contains information about CFA activities that are of interest to companies and organisations interested in chilled food manufacture, distribution and storage.

   Click here to sign up for CFA News and/or website update alerts
   

7. Can I join CFA?
   Membership is open to chilled food manufacturers and their chilled components/raw material suppliers, who comply with the Association's Best Practice Guidelines for the Production of Chilled Food and supplementary guidance.

   Compliance is demonstrated by successful audit against the Guidelines carried out by a UKAS-accredited organisation.

   Information on membership benefits and application forms for Full, Associate and Affiliate membership are on the site.

   CFA is non-profitmaking, fees being set each year with this in mind.

   Details can be obtained by prospective members from the secretariat.

8. Any more questions?
   Ask CFA