3 replies to this topic

[foodeng]

BRC-IOP new version is looking for the risk assessment of allergens subheading chemical contamination. How can we decide what must be assessed about the raw materials? 

 

 

2.2.5 The hazard and risk analysis team shall identify and record all potential hazards that are reasonably

expected to occur at each step in relation to the product and process. The hazards considered shall

include, where relevant:

• foreign objects

• legality

• chemical contamination (e.g. taint, odour, allergen, component transfer from inks, varnishes and

glues)

• hazards that may have an impact on the functional integrity and performance of the final product in

use

• potential for unintended migration of substances from the packaging material into food or other

hygiene-sensitive product.

[AlisterW]

We found some useful information on the internet, including example 'Food Allergen Risk Assessment'. These are all based around 'The Fourteen Allergens'

 

It includes such as:

Are any known food allergens used in products?

Are any known food allergens used in product packaging?

etc

If you answer yes, you need to determine what actions can be taken to minimise contamination of your product.

[Foodworker]

Allergens can creep into your operation in unexpected and obscure ways so be prepared to look quite widely.

 

Look at your own operation - are there any allergens on site? Less obvious examples are processing aids (eg., in some printing sectors starch based materials are used for anti set off powders- check they are not wheat based) lubricants (they may be food grade but do they contain ground nut oil?) Pest control baits etc.

 

Survey your raw material suppliers - do the materials contain any allergens, are allergens used in their operations? Some adhesives are wheat based

 

Staff food

 

When you know what allergens are on site, you can then evaluate the potential risk of product contamination by the normal likelihood & severity techniques.

 

It is probable that there will minimal risk, but without doing the groundwork, you cannot say for certain.

[Charles.C]

For example, peanuts in the vending machines.