8 replies to this topic

[patthebaker]

Hello all!

 

Just looking for a quick bit of guidance here. We bake and package sugar cookies on a regular basis. In order to sufficiently cool them in a timely manner for packaging, we use two large fans to help them along. Is there any sort of restriction on this sort of practice? They are cleaned and sanitized before being used, and are only used for this practice. But my search has been fruitless trying to figure out if this is accepted or not. 

 

Thanks in advance,

 

-Pat

[RMAV]

The fans themselves are clean, what about the environment?  A fan will pick up whatever dust is around whether it's from outside, on clothing, or neighboring activities (especially considering allergens).

[patthebaker]

The only enviormental concern I would have would be flour dust, which is pretty much everywhere during production hours. We've never received any complaints about the product in question that would lead me to the fans. It's more the regulatory and third party audit authority and what they would have to say about it. 

[RMAV]

The only enviormental concern I would have would be flour dust, which is pretty much everywhere during production hours. We've never received any complaints about the product in question that would lead me to the fans. It's more the regulatory and third party audit authority and what they would have to say about it. 

From my view, you're fine provided you have a good risk assessment that shows the product is safe using this process. 

[Peaches]

Might want to also add your fans to your environmental program for swabbing - not necessarily for pathogens but indicators (APC, EB, coliform) to verify sanitation at some frequency, and/or ATP swabs prior to start up.  I agree that you will want to have a risk assessment of the area and possibly a work instruction on how to set up the fans if they are movable (i.e. so they are not pointing at the ceiling and blowing dust around but are pointed at the product) 

[SQFconsultant]

I would go with RMAV comments.  As an former inspector I saw fans being used on a routine basis. The only issue that may come up is the flour dust issue, what's in the air that is being moved -- thus, a risk assessment will need to done and an Auditor would be looking for this document... maybe.

[CMHeywood]

Unless you filter the air coming into your plant, there will be mold, bacteria, dust, etc. in the air but you won't be able to see it.  You may need to consider testing your incoming air quality.

[patthebaker]

Thank you everyone for the input. Since I am still somewhat new to this field, could someone reccomend a moderately priced air quality test kit? Again, thank you for everyones input, it has been very helpful.

[Chippy]

We use an independent laboratory for testing. they can send you petri type dishes and you just direct the fan air over them, send them back and they can test for you.