Due to the rapid closure of hotels and hospitality operations at the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic, there was an immediate and significant drop in product demand. Master Food Distributors (MFD) and Regional Fresh Food Distributors froze products and worked with manufacturers to extend product shelf life where feasible (if quality and flavor profile would not be greatly impacted). As your deliveries ramp back up, you may receive products that 1) arrive frozen (but you would normally expect to see unfrozen) or 2) have an extended shelf life. We request your help as we collaborate to deplete this inventory.
The grid below provides details and guidance on categories that are impacted and where you may need to account for different operational changes (e.g. allowing time to thaw products, informing staff on extended shelf life).
| Liquid Eggs |
| X
| No | - MFD
- Do not accept liquid eggs in a frozen state that are normally received in an unfrozen/liquid state
|
Center of the plate proteins - Beef (Boxed beef, cut steaks, burgers – MFST/others)
- Poultry (portions/whole)
- Pork loins/chops
- Fillets/Portion Fish
|
| X
| Yes
| - Regional Fresh Food Distributors
- Defrost under refrigeration - will have greater purge but should not see noticeable difference in performance
|
Bacon, Sausage, Hot Dogs
|
| X
| Yes
| - MFD, Regional Fresh Food Distributors
- Defrost under refrigeration - should perform normally
|
Deli Meats (e.g. Pork, Roast Beef)
| | X
| Yes
| - MFD, Regional Fresh Food Distributors
- Defrost under refrigeration - will have greater purge but should not see noticeable difference in performance
|
Deli Turkey
| | X
| Yes
| - MFD, Regional Fresh Food Distributors
- Defrost under refrigeration - will work best for use in casseroles or soup
|
Tortillas
| X
| X
| Yes
| - MFD
- Defrost and store under refrigeration and bring to room temperature before use
|
Dressings and Sauces
| X
| | Yes
| MFD
|
Bakery (Bread, Pastries)
| X
| | Yes
| MFD |
Cheese
| X
| | Yes
| MFD
|
Expected communication protocols from distributors
- Fresh items approved for freezing
- Products will have an added clarifier in their description when you go to order indicating a fresh to frozen conversion. You should look for indicators of “F2F” or “Fresh to Frozen.”
- Products will have a sticker on each case with the freeze date (which occurred prior to the expiration of the initial shelf life).
- There will be different product numbers assigned to delineate the frozen product from the fresh product.
- If a distributor is subbing in a product that is frozen for one that the customer ordered in a fresh state, the distributor will reach out to the customer prior to shipping the substituted product.
- Note: When thawed under refrigeration products should be used in 3 – 5 days.
- Items with extended shelf lives
- Below are links to all of the manufacturer letters that detail approvals for the extended shelf life provisions noted in the grid above.
- Some distributors will attach an extension letter to the case of products; however, not all distributors are able to take this step.
As we all begin to ramp back up and manage through the challenges presented by this unprecedented event, we appreciate your partnership, support and collaboration in utilizing these products. Please consult the table above and share it with your team members that are placing orders to ensure they know what to look for.