(409)355-2243
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is IQF?
- IQF is an abbreviation for Individually Quick Frozen. It uses extremely
cold temperatures to freeze very fast. Jeri's uses IQF because it is a
safer way to process oysters for the food service industry.
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- Why is IQF important?
- The reasons are many! Here are a few:
- Meats need to be frozen individually on the half-shell cryogenically at -109F,
a process that preserves an oyster in its natural state.
- Once the oysters are frozen, they are misted with water to form a glaze of ice that prevents freezer
burn.
- They look and taste like fresh Raw Oysters. When thawed and put side by side with
fresh half-shell you can’t tell the difference.
- This process is to reduce a common saltwater microorganism, Vibrio Vulnificus, to non-detectable levels so
that people with low immune disorders such a liver problems, and stomach or blood
problems can continue eating oysters on the half-shell. Vibrio Vulnificus, which
can be carried by oysters, increases in the summer and can pose a health threat
to persons with immune systems disorders.
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- How do I thaw IQF oysters?
- To thaw IQF oysters, place in shallow pan, cover with cellophane and leave in refrigerator
or cooler overnight. IQF oysters can be thawed in minutes to fill individual orders by lining them
up on a shallow pan and run cool tap water under the shells. Tilt the pan slightly so the water runs off.
If the water touches the meats, it will rinse off the natural oyster liqueur, diminishing flavor. The
oysters will be ready to cook or serve on the half-shell in six to eight minutes.
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- Can I be sure oysters from Jeri's Seafood are safe?
- In addition using the IQF process Jeri's strictly complies with the rules and
regulations of the shellfish sanitation division of the Texas Department of Health and those of the
Federal Food and Drug Administration (F.D.A.) Requirements. Jeri's is subject to periodic inspections
by both the state and federal health authorites and the harvest procedures are constantly monitiored by
the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Both Ben and Jeri are long time members of the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference, an organization
of oyster producers, state shellfish regulators and the F.D.A., who meet and set the standards for the
production and sale of a wholesome shellfish product to the American Public. Both have served on
committees and task forces of I.S.S.C over the past 15 years. In fact, Ben and Jeri are one of the
two couples in existance who attended the first I.S.S.C. conference.
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- How many people does Jeri's Seafood employ?
- During the major oyster harvest season, Jeri's will employ up to 120 employees in their harvesting
and processing and sales of their oysters harvested from both the public oyster reefs and the private
oyster leases associated with them.
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- How many boats does Jeri's Seafood have?
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- How does Jeri's Seafood get the oysters across the country?
- Jeri's Products are shipped all over the continental United States through contract shippers
and Jeri's own fleet of 3 refrigerated trailer trucks that ply the highways on a daily basis.
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- Where is Jeri's Seafood located?
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