Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFrozen
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Frozen cassava (manioc) in France is supplied primarily via imports, with trade commonly reported under HS 071410 (manioc/cassava, including frozen among other forms). UN Comtrade data (via WITS) shows France imported about US$14.9 million and 9.51 million kg under HS 071410 in 2023, dominated by Costa Rica, indicating strong reliance on third-country supply. As a quick-frozen food category, quality and safety performance are highly dependent on maintaining the cold chain (typically around −18°C) through transport, storage, and retail handling. Import lots may be subject to DGCCRF-led controls at entry to prevent non-compliant consignments (e.g., pesticide residues or Salmonella) from entering the market.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market (net importer)
Domestic RoleDomestic consumption market supplied mainly by imports; no significant domestic production in metropolitan France is indicated for this product category.
SeasonalityRetail availability is generally year-round because the product is marketed as frozen and supported by import supply and frozen storage.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Marketed as a French 'produit surgelé' (quick-frozen): labeling and handling emphasize frozen storage and avoiding refreezing after defrosting.
Compositional Metrics- Cassava contains cyanogenic glycosides that can release cyanide; insufficient processing and/or inadequate cooking can create acute food-safety risk.
Packaging- Quick-frozen foods should be placed in suitable pre-packaging that protects against external contamination and drying.
- In France, 'produits surgelés' labeling must include the mention 'surgelé' and (for final consumer/mass catering) indicate the product should not be refrozen after defrosting, along with minimum durability date and storage-period information.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Cassava roots (third-country origin) → washing/peeling/cutting → quick-freezing → prepackaging → refrigerated transport (typically reefer) → customs clearance and potential official controls at import → cold storage → frozen distribution to retail/foodservice in France
Temperature- Quick-frozen foods are held at −18 °C or lower; limited upward deviations are permitted in transport/local distribution within defined tolerances.
- Any temperature rise accelerates microbial growth and can turn food into a higher-risk product if the cold chain is broken.
Shelf Life- Shelf life and safety depend on maintaining the frozen cold chain; temperature abuse increases risk of quality loss and microbial hazards.
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Food Safety HighCassava naturally contains cyanogenic glycosides that can release cyanide; insufficient processing and/or inadequate cooking and consumer-use instructions can create acute cyanide-poisoning risk. This is a critical deal-breaker hazard for frozen cassava placed on the French market because it can trigger withdrawals/recalls and severe consumer harm.Use validated supplier specifications and testing/controls for cyanogenic potential where relevant, and ensure French-language label instructions support safe preparation; implement HACCP controls at import receiving and packing/handling steps.
Logistics HighFrozen cassava requires reliable temperature control; cold-chain breaks during transport, handling, or storage accelerate microbial growth and can make food higher risk and reduce shelf life.Use reefer temperature logging and acceptance criteria, verify −18°C storage/transport controls, and enforce 'do not refreeze after defrosting' and storage-condition labeling compliance.
Regulatory Compliance MediumImport consignments of plant-origin foods may be subjected to DGCCRF-led controls (often with customs cooperation) and EU official-control actions; non-compliant lots can be delayed, rejected, or placed under corrective measures.Pre-validate documentation sets, maintain traceability records, and align supplier controls with EU hygiene, residue, and microbiological compliance expectations; monitor official-control requirements applicable to the specific CN/TARIC code and origin.
Documentation Gap MediumIncorrect classification or incomplete/incorrect customs documentation can delay clearance and increase storage time and temperature-risk exposure for frozen goods.Confirm CN/TARIC classification and origin claims prior to shipping; file declarations via DGDDI systems with a customs broker familiar with frozen food shipments and ensure supporting documents are available on demand.
Sustainability- Food waste risk if frozen cold chain is broken during import distribution and storage in France.
FAQ
Does France require special labeling for frozen cassava sold as a quick-frozen product?Yes. France’s rules for 'produits surgelés' require the sales name to include the mention 'surgelé' and, when intended for final consumers or mass catering, the label must also state the product should not be refrozen after defrosting and include minimum durability and storage-period information.
What is the main food-safety risk specific to cassava products like frozen cassava?Cassava contains cyanogenic glycosides that can release cyanide. If cassava is insufficiently processed and/or not properly prepared before eating, it can pose an acute cyanide-poisoning risk, so importers and brands need strong controls and clear safe-use instructions.
How are imports of plant-origin foods like cassava checked when entering France?France applies EU official-control rules and DGCCRF performs import controls on foods of plant origin produced in third countries, in cooperation with customs, to prevent unsafe or non-compliant products (for example due to pesticide residues or Salmonella) from being placed on the market.
What does EU law require for traceability of imported food like frozen cassava?EU General Food Law requires traceability at all stages. Food business operators must be able to identify their immediate supplier and their immediate customer, and make that information available to competent authorities on demand.