Frozen food should be delivered ______ solid.

Frozen food should be delivered completely frozen to ensure that it remains safe for consumption. This is essential because maintaining the proper temperature prevents the growth of harmful bacteria, which can occur when food thaws.

When food is delivered in a completely frozen state, it indicates that it has been stored correctly throughout the supply chain. If food were to arrive partially frozen, there is a risk that it has been subjected to temperatures that allowed for the thawing process to begin. This could compromise its safety and quality, allowing the potential for foodborne illnesses.

Receiving frozen food in a thawed state would signify a significant safety risk. Thawing can lead to rapid bacterial growth if the food is not used immediately or refrozen correctly. Hence, food safety standards emphasize that frozen items should remain frozen until they are ready to be cooked or further processed.