Product Info

From Sea to Shelf: Ahi Tuna Processing

1 Harvesting

Chicken of the Sea Premium Ahi Tuna is long line caught only and is dolphin-safe. Our ahi tuna is placed in ice after being caught to bring the core temperature down as quickly as possible.

2 Receiving

Temperature is checked at boat arrival. The ahi tuna is then transported to the production facility covered by ice. Temperature is then rechecked once the ahi tuna has arrived at the processing plant.

3 Grading

Chicken of the Sea Ahi Tuna is then graded by looking for specific quality attributes, including color, freshness, texture and smell. Product not meeting quality specifications is rejected.

4 Processing

After grading, ahi tuna is then processed to meet a variety of consumer and customer needs. Common product forms are ahi tuna steaks, loins, saku blocks, poke cubes and ground meat. Each facility has production lines designed specifically to process ahi tuna according to these product formats.

5 Freezing

After grading and processing, the ahi tuna is transferred to a low temperature freezer where quality control personnel record room temperature.

6Packing/Sealing

After freezing, ahi tuna is vacuum packed and placed into master cartons. Master cartons are code stamped to insure quality control.

7Finished Product Evaluation

Samples of each finished production code receive qualitative and quantitative evaluations prior to being released for shipment. Specific attributes that are evaluated include color, flavor, smell, texture and workmanship.

8 Shipping

Finished product is shipped to our customers.