Handling Allergens in Enrobing Environment

I'm new to the confectionery industry and working on an Allergen Control Policy for the facility.  We have 4 lines and enrobe a variety of tree nuts, peanut butter, crackers & cookies (wheat allergen),  whipped creme & marshmallow (egg allergen) as well as non-allergenic product.  Every product manufactured is labeled with a consumer alert stating all allergens used in the facility.

We are a small company with limited resources, what is the best way to avoid cross contamination on the enrobing equipment?  One idea was to have a dedicated line handle all nut products, but would a full clean-up need to take place between each type of nut?  Our equipment is 20+ years old and not the easiest to clean. Any suggestions or advice are much appreciated!

I'm new to the confectionery industry and working on an Allergen Control Policy for the facility.  We have 4 lines and enrobe a variety of tree nuts, peanut butter, crackers & cookies (wheat allergen),  whipped creme & marshmallow (egg allergen) as well as non-allergenic product.  Every product manufactured is labeled with a consumer alert stating all allergens used in the facility.

 

We are a small company with limited resources, what is the best way to avoid cross contamination on the enrobing equipment?  One idea was to have a dedicated line handle all nut products, but would a full clean-up need to take place between each type of nut?  Our equipment is 20+ years old and not the easiest to clean. Any suggestions or advice are much appreciated!

Dear emilyheld,

Basically an allergen / risk assessment (avoidance) situation. You need to define the particular allergens involved then analyse the flow.

It may depend on your location from a legislatory POV. And any prospective standards involved.

You may find this current thread of interest - http://www.ifsqn.com...rix/#entry61883

And (similar process) -

http://www.ifsqn.com...ion/#entry60887

(eg see file m2 in my post)

And many other allergen threads here.

And perhaps the allergen management section of this standard work -

Industry_Handbook_for_Safe_Processing_of_Nuts_1st_Edition_22Feb10.pdf   1.52MB   43 downloads

Rgds / Charles.C