2 replies to this topic

[japarzu]

Hello,

Could you please help me solve a question? Is it alowed to have painted motors and/or galvanized metal in food plants processing areas when they are located in non-food contact surfaces? Is it comply with BRC standad?

Thanks,

Japarzu

[KTD]

Dear Japarzu -

     It is never advisable to have equipment that can possibly adversely affect product (such as foreign materials), and it is certainly not a best practice... That said, you can conduct a risk assessment to determine the actual risk (severity & likelihood) posed by the equipment conditions/locations to the product. If you can justify it, then your risk assessment just has to be written to convince an auditor.

      Even if you are able to justify the risk, you should work with plant management to determine a timetable for replacing these materials.I do not know if you are regulated by USDA or FDA, but I know that depending upon the USDA FSIS inspector, these materials can be an unending source of 'discussion'.

[S Maddux]

KTD is correct.  That being said, Yes you can have painted motors and galvanized metal.  You need to make sure the paint doesn't peel or chip.  You mentioned non-food contact surfaces, but don't forget above or in range of food contact surface.  I have a lot of painted motors and some galvanized metal and we are BRC Cert, Grade A.   We are also a USDA facility.   Again like KTD said start replacing them with SS motors.  No matter what you do the paint will peel and/or chip and you will end up painting it over and over again.