12 replies to this topic

[olshanka]

If we are testing compressed air for microbiological contamination, do we need to also test for purity?

[ncorliss]

13.5.4.2 Does state compressed air systems used in the manufacturing process shall be maintained and regularly monitored for purity.

[olshanka]

Would the testing of microbes not be considered testing for purity?

[ncorliss]

In my opinion, that is one aspect. But you may want to consider particulates such as oil, water, any other pollutants that can contaminate your product. For example, do you run propane fork lifts in your plant? Is the exhaust in the air?

[Charles.C]

If we are testing compressed air for microbiological contamination, do we need to also test for purity?

 

Hi Imazan,

 

Partial extracts from the Guidance module -

 

13.5.4
Purity means absence of contaminants that could cause a product safety hazard. Pure air means the air is
free of risk for contamination of the products. Essentially, the air must not contribute any contamination
to the packages that ultimately comes in direct contact with food.

13.5.4.2
Testing can be conducted to validate the compressed air-filtration control system’s effectiveness based on
the risk to the product; however, testing must be conducted at a minimum of once a year.  Testing can be
done in-house or by a contracted party.  Test requirements and number of samples will be based on the
risk to the product and process.  Microbiological testing can include testing for aerobic plate count and/or
indicator organisms as appropriate to the operation.  Testing for moisture is to be considered if moisture
is a potential risk to the product (e.g., dry operations).

 

Purity is often interpreted via ISO 8573-1 standards (see the Guidance). As per previous posts, the details may relate to yr process.

 

For food,  the usual SQF micro. expectations seem to focus on APC and  Yeast&Mould. Typically measured via settle plates by external lab.

[bibi]

Hi

 

We use compressed air not direct contact with food .

The purity how? the petri agar plate will be destroyed by the the direct air flow

 

Any other method

 

Bibi

[Charles.C]

Hi

 

We use compressed air not direct contact with food .

The purity how? the petri agar plate will be destroyed by the the direct air flow

 

Any other method

 

Bibi

 

The standard procedure is in iso8357-(7,4)

Uses a slit-sampler.

I daresay something like this -

http://www.rapidmicr...d/air-samplers/

 

http://www.cemag.us/...l-contamination

[SQFconsultant]

The test is for purity.

[ksteele]

Where does everyone have their compressed air tested? Can anyone give an approximate cost?

[Charles.C]

Where does everyone have their compressed air tested? Can anyone give an approximate cost?

 

Hi ksteele,

 

One source is the company Trace Analytics viewable in the "Sponsored Forums" at bottom of main page.

[ncorliss]

We use a company called Packaging Consultants International in Syracuse, NY. They are an approved lab by the FDA's Interstate Milk Shippers List. They do a variety of consulting and testing activities. Rates are reasonable. We did the environmental and compressed air testing last year, 16 total plates throughout the plant. At that time it was under $200 dollars. They'll ship you the plates and instructions to collect samples. I've been happy their services overall. We also use them for testing our packaging products for residual bacteria and coliform. If you want more info, feel free to email me at xxxxx

Edited by Charles.C, 10 March 2016 - 02:35 PM.
email removed, = Spam magnet

[Trace Analytics]

It is interesting that SQF would choose to use the word “purity” because air is not pure. This creates some confusion with the requirement. However, the intent is clear. Clean dry air is needed to ensure quality.

 

Many members have made valid statements. Compressed air can contain all sorts of contaminants which could be problematic for a consumer to ingest. As mentioned particles, water, oil, and microbiological contaminants are the key suspects.

 

But what does that mean in lay terms?

 

Particles can be rust, pipe scale, foreign materials, glues, microbiological and more. None of which you would want to ingest.

 

Water contributes to microbiological contamination and can be damaging to some products.

 

Oil consists of oil aerosol and oil vapors, neither of which you would want in your food. Oil-free compressors DO NOT eliminate ambient oil pulled in by the intake. So it should still be tested.

 

Particles, water, and oil combined all create the perfect breeding ground for microbiological contaminants. Microbiological contaminants grow and continue to grow. Keep your PWO under control and you can manage your microbial contamination better.

 

You should start with the system you have installed to determine the appropriate testing. Do you use filtration that filters to say 0.5 microns or better? You should make sure the testing you do can measure that low. Otherwise you are not conducting testing that determines if your system is working as intended.

 

Determine the quality of air the system is designed to produce and find a lab that can test to those limits, classes or parameters.

 

Hope that info helps!

[Watanka]

In addition to microbial activity, compressed air tests should include oil and other potential contaminants that have been known to affect air purity.  The compressed air manufacturer should be able to give you direction on the types of contaminants common to their industry.  Find a company in your area and have them provide you with the resources and methods for collecting the samples - validation data too.

 

Good luck!