• European standard hygiene and sanitation practices

• Effective HACCP system management

A cephalopod is any member of the molluscan class Cephalopoda. Cephalopods, the class of molluscs which scientists classify octopuses, squid, cuttlefish and nautiluses, can change colour faster than a chameleon. Cephalopods are also fascinating because they have three hearts that pump blue blood, they're jet powered, and they're found in all oceans of the world, from the tropics to the poles, the intertidal to the abyss. Cephalopods have inspired legends and stories throughout history and are thought to be the most intelligent of invertebrates. Some can squeeze through the tiniest of cracks. They have eyes and other senses that rival those of humans.

These exclusively marine animals are characterized by bilateral body symmetry, a prominent head, and a set of arms or tentacles (muscular hydrostats) modified from the primitive molluscan foot. Fishermen sometimes call them ink fish, referring to their common ability to squirt ink.

Cephalopods are of considerable economic importance to humans. Many species of squid and octopus are eaten. Nautilus shells are often used decoratively, and the internal shell of a cuttlefish, or cuttle bone, is sold in the pet trade as a calcium source for birds.

Giant cephalopods such as squid and octopuses are also a great source of sea-monster folklore. Squid also have a reduced internal shell called a pen. Octopuses lack a shell altogether. Cephalopods are found in all of the world's oceans, from the warm water of the tropics to the near freezing water at the poles. They are found from the wave swept intertidal region to the dark, cold abyss. All species are marine, and with a few exceptions, they do not tolerate brackish water.