Fresh Codfish FAQ

When shipping fish, like fresh codfish, it is important to know how to do it properly. You’ll want to understand the logistics of what goes into keeping the fish fresh and consumable once it’s reached its final destination. 

Prime Fresh Handling has years of experience in seafood shipping and logistics, as well as solutions for many other industries. With this experience, we have put together a page of frequently asked questions about shipping fresh codfish. 

What Is Codfish?

Codfish, or cod, is a type of fish that is firm and is commonly prepared by frying, grilling, steaming, baking, or boiling. There are a few common types of codfish that you might find in a store:

• Atlantic Cod (Scrod, Whitefish) – Most commonly used for Fish-and-chips.
• Pacific Cod (Alaska Cod, True Cod, Gray Cod, Tara Codfish) – Known as the second-most abundant white fish.
• Black Cod (Sablefish, Butterfish) – Has a high fat content and mild flavor and is ideal when smoked.
• Lingcod (Buffalo Cod, Bluefish, White Cod) – A bottom-dwelling fish that is a favorite with recreational anglers on the West Coast.
• Rockfish (Rock Cod, Pacific Snapper) – Has a firm texture, white flesh, and a mild flavor. They are vulnerable to overfishing due to the fact that they live longer and mature late.
• Pollock ( Alaskan Pollock) – Also known as the world’s most inundating food fish. It has a stronger taste.

How to Ship Fresh Fish?

When it comes to shipping fresh codfish and other seafood products, it is extremely important to keep the fish at a certain temperature to keep it fresh. On top of that, speed is a very important factor to think about. Another large factor of a successful shipment is the packaging. Remember, fresh means it’s not frozen. This is why we have provided some packaging tips below.

Consider the Container and Outer Packaging

The inner and the outer packaging play a big role in keeping the product safe and fresh. First, the fish should be placed in a styrofoam container, then put the cooler inside a corrugated cardboard box lined with rags on the inner walls to catch any runoff from melting ice or ice packs. You’ll want to avoid water damage to the outer packaging.

What to Use to Keep the Cod Cool?

There are various ways to keep the fish cool during transportation. Here are a few common ones:

• Wet ice
• Dry ice
• Gel packs

When using wet ice, there aren’t really any limitations during shipment. If, however, you are using the dry ice method, there are regulations created by each shipping company that must be followed depending on which of them you use. 

Tip: DO NOT include dry ice in an airtight container. Dry ice releases carbon dioxide that will create a build-up of pressure. This means the package will more than likely burst during transit. 

Contact Prime Fresh Handling Today!

If you don’t see your questions above, then contact us today! Our team of experts is happy to help and give any further information wanted. Prime Fresh is proud of the knowledge and services we are able to share with our customers and readers.