6 replies to this topic

[diorc1922]

Hi All,

 

Can I please get a recommendation on the best way to control allergen in employee's lunch room? We pack coffee in single-serve cups and we absolutely do not introduce any allergens in our equipment and production area. In addition to that, we train all our employees in allergen management. 

would this be sufficient according to the BRC standard? Or is it necessary to place signs in the break room to remind employees to leave their food in the break room?

Please advice.

 

Thank you!

[Tony-C]

Hi diorc1922

Your hygiene rules should stipulate that consumption should only be in your designated area. Are staff removing their protective clothing when they leave the production area? as if not this will be considered a risk if you allow employees to consume allergens on site in the lunch room.

Stricter controls on consuming allergens are required if you are making 'allergen free' claims.

Relevant extracts from the BRC Standard and Interpretation Guidelines:

4.8.9 All food brought into manufacturing premises by staff shall be appropriately stored in a clean and hygienic state. No food shall be taken into storage, processing or production areas. Where eating of food is allowed outside during breaks, this shall be in suitable designated areas with appropriate control of waste.
Interpretation: Staff food
All food and drink must be consumed in designated areas away from food handling, production and storage areas. Where appropriate, designated outside areas can be provided for staff to eat food;...

4.8.10 Where catering facilities are provided on the premises, they shall be suitably controlled to prevent contamination of products (e.g. as a source of food poisoning or introduction of allergenic material to the site).
Interpretation: Catering facilities
In some operations (e.g. sites manufacturing a product with an allergen claim), specific allergens present a particular risk. These sites should specify any relevant company policies to confectionery vending suppliers and catering facilities (e.g. a ‘no nut policy’ on the site due to the manufacture of ‘nut-free’ products).

 

Regards,

 

Tony
 

[paulpaine]

Signs are always a good way to remind employees of their training and requirements.  Also hand/footwear washing and the equipment or facilities to accomplish this are required prior to returning to the production area.

[Plastic Ducky]

If you have vending machines, don't forget to inform the owner that the machine must be peanut/tree nut  free. Many auditors love to cite this.

[diorc1922]

If you have vending machines, don't forget to inform the owner that the machine must be peanut/tree nut  free. Many auditors love to cite this.

Yes, thanks so much for pointing this out because we had a few audits and every single one of them always look into the vending machine looking for peanuts/tree nuts.

[Simon]

It depends if workwear is removed or not before using the lunchroom.

If yes then there's an argument to say you can have a sneaky snickers.  Based on risk assessment of course.

 

Regards,

Simon

[bibi]

We are nuts free site.

During one audit, the auditor suggest to take a hand swab from staff after their beak, to confirm  the site is really nuts free!  and to confirm as well the staff are following the rules at least in that occasion

Our suppliers are not all Nuts free sites.

What do you suggest is that enough?

 

Bibi