2 replies to this topic

[Tamale]

We manufacture plastic containers for the dairy products industry. Yogurt, sour cream, ice cream and the likes. 

 

I need to know if there is any legislation or guidelines for the frequency of microbiological testing of finished packaging goods. 

 

In other words, we mold yogurt cups, how often should we test for surface contaminants? (This would be external testing.)

 

Tamale

[Simon]

Hi Tamale, do you ship to the USA.  If so I think maybe you would come under the FDA-IMS, as part of that you need to be audited annually and send a small number of samples away each month for micro testing.  

 

Otherwise in my experience it is useful to have a micro audit of your plant every 3 or 6 months, such a micro audit would include putting settle plates down to count TVC, yeasts and molds; as you know yeast and molds are a big no no for dairy production.  It would also include some swabbing of products, people and direct contact plant and equipment.  It can be done without huge cost and you would need to work with a competent food safety technologist with knowledge of dairy and food packaging to come up with a suitable testing program.  Any tests should be done by a ISO 17025 accredited lab.

[Tamale]

Thanks Simon. We are on the IMS list, I just cant find any legislation and feel that the independent labs are taking us for a ride!

 

Tamale