Hi Scampi,
Meat Inspection Regulation 34 (2.1) states "(2.1) The sanitation program shall be prepared and maintained in accordance with the FSEP Manual and the Manual of Procedures and shall contain: (e) the concentration, temperature and other specifications for the detergent, sanitizer or other chemical agent to be used"
34 (2.2) Every operator shall keep in the registered establishment, for a period of not less than one year after the date of the activity or procedure, records that contain information about
- (a) monitoring and verification activities, including the results of any test; and
- (b) any corrective and preventative action taken.
FSEP 2014 states:
" The establishment has and implements a documented Sanitation Program which includes but is not limited to:
* Cleaning and sanitizing procedures including:
o Details and specifics describing the method and procedures for equipment and room cleaning and sanitizing,
o The chemicals required,
o The chemical concentration level required,
o Proper handling and application of chemicals (duration of application, etc.)
o The chemical solution temperatures, where applicable,
o Equipment disassembly and assembly instructions,
o Methods to prevent cross-contamination, where necessary;
* Records to be kept"
The expectation is that an operator will maintain records that can demonstrate that the chemicals being used, whether they be cleaning chemicals or sanitizing chemicals, are used at the chemical concentration level defined, and validated as effective, within the Sanitation Program.
That being said, there is a variety of ways that you can demonstrate that your cleaning chemicals are being used at the defined concentrations.
These include, but are certainly not limited to:
* Measuring the chemical and water being combined to be used.
* Chemical test kits
* If you are using a distribution system, visual observations may be effective is appropriately validated (ie: some cleaning chemicals will only foam at the proper concentrations)
* If you are using a distribution system, a regular inspection of the valve being used to dispense the chemical into the water (ie: PM programs) to ensure it is in proper condition and functioning,
* Verified effectiveness by continuous ATP, allergen or other environmental testing procedures.
If you are having trouble setting up a simple chemical testing procedure (due to lack of cooperation from your chemical supplier), talk to your CFIA inspector and ask what other options could be found as equally effective testing/verification methods.
Regardless, you will need to find a way to demonstrate the chemicals being used are being used at the concentrations defined within your Sanitation Program.