Abstract: A method and apparatus for pretreating a fresh food product to relieve the internal (turgor) pressure and adjust the product temperature Invention has an enclosure with an internal space, an air inlet and an air outlet An exhaust fan is in fluid communication with the internal space Rows of product containers are disposed on either side of the exhaust fan to form an airflow aisle with an open end. A cover extends over the airflow aisle and the open end to form an air plenum tunnel. The exhaust fan is activated to lower the air pressure within the tunnel and pull enclosure air through openings in and between the product containers and over and around the food product. The exhaust fan further circulates exhaust air over cooling coils and returns exhaust air to the internal space of the enclosure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pretreating a fresh food product to relieve the internal (turgor) pressure and adjust the product temperature has an enclosure with an internal space, an air inlet and an air outlet. An exhaust fan is in fluid communication with the internal space. First and second spaced apart rows of product containers are disposed on either side of the exhaust fan to form an airflow aisle with an open end. A cover extends over the airflow aisle and the open end to form an air plenum tunnel. The exhaust fan is activated to lower the air pressure within the tunnel and pull enclosure air through openings in and between the product containers and over and around the food product. The exhaust fan further circulates exhaust air over cooling coils and returns exhaust air to the internal space of the enclosure. An air conditioning mechanism is attached at a first end to the enclosure outlet.