COMPUTER SIMULATION of MICROBIAL GROWTH DURING FREEZING and FROZEN FOOD STORAGE

A computer simulation model was developed to predict the time for temperature equilibration as well as microbial growth within a food product during freezing and the equilibration to frozen storage conditions. Theoretical results indicate that freezing medium temperature, surface heat transfer coefficient and product size influence the equilibration time significantly. Storage conditions influenced the equilibration time during storage and significantly influenced the growth of microorganisms. Microbial growth is a function of the freezing time. Slow freezing of a food product from a high initial temperature and stored at a relatively high temperature can provide conditions for microbial growth as compared to very rapid freezing processes. the model is a useful tool for approximate indications of effects of freezing conditions on microbial growth within a food product.