Traceability of processing aids such as C02 gas and ice
As part of our processing, we use dry ice, C02 gas and ice. I am assuming that these are considered processing aids under BRC 3.9.1. Does anyone have ideas on how to track these aids? Thanks so much.
Hi Glendora -
We are struggling with this ourselves. We have started putting an identifier on each container (normally 2000 Lbs) of these items. Looking at each processing line recording the identifier at some frequency. Another option would be to have a form where this is documented each time a new container comes out - this should help prevent missing changeovers.
I sure hope someone has better ideas...
Are you just using the co2 and ice to maintain temperature? We have had several auditors ask that question but Ice and Co2 are not considered processing aids for us because we just use it to maintain product temperature. They said its what you use in your product like mineral oils, lubricants, etc.
Dear sweetthang0286
In many FSIS inspected plants - particulary those processing raw meat and poultry - ice and CO2 are considered processing aids. CO2 is often layered directly onto product in 2,000# combos to maintain temperatures during storage and transport. Since it sublimes and is gone, it meets the definition of a processing aid. Ice is often layered on top of unsealed bags in boxes with the bag ends folded over onto product - where the ice may melt and the resulting water run into the bags. In that case, it may be considered an actual ingredient...
In either case, it would appear important to be able to track their use. Unfortunately, I have not found an easy way to do that, as my plants bring out only 1 or 2 combos of ice or CO2 at a time, and these may be shared across multiple processing lines until the combo is gone. We document production and/or reciept dates and number the combos, but tracking is any iffy proposition at best...
any ideas on how to track a freezer tunnel using CO2? I'm making the assumption that this would be a processing aid as the gasses & snow produced would/could contact the product.
Wow! First thought was similar to flour tracking in a silo - time to 'drain' from top to bottom, but CO2 will mix... Do you have 2 storage tanks that you can alternate between? Then you could go from tank fill to tank empty time.
any ideas on how to track a freezer tunnel using CO2? I'm making the assumption that this would be a processing aid as the gasses & snow produced would/could contact the product.
Dear P&S,
Yes but maybe Not required perhaps, depending on legislatory. I note the BRC6 word "relevant".
(assuming this thread is still focussed on BRC which it may no longer be)
eg see para. 4.2 in -
Doc_126_11_Minimum_Specifications_for_Food_Gas_Applications.pdf 54.01KB 47 downloads
Rgds / Charles.C