14 replies to this topic

[dv8dawn]

Hi All,

 

Could anyone tell me the specific reason with example on BRC’s point “6.2.10” “No perfume or aftershave changes to excessive perfume or after-shave shall be not permitted?”

 

I have read somewhere; some leafy vegetable can absorb the perfume/aftershave fragrance and can cause changes in texture. Likewise, fragrance in the air can change the taste of prepared food also.

 

Just wanted to confirm these points prior to provide training in regard to “Personal Hygiene”. However, It would be very grateful, if you could provide me some examples too…

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Dv8.

[mgourley]

I believe you answered your own question. Some foods can be tainted by strong scents. 

 

It's the same reason clause 4.9.1.1 says:

 

Processes shall be in place to manage the use, storage and handling of non-food chemicals to prevent chemical contamination. These shall include as a minimum:

•an approved list of chemicals for purchase

•availability of material safety data sheets and specifications

•confirmation of suitability for use in a food-processing environment

•avoidance of strongly scented products

•the labelling and/or identification of containers of chemicals at all times

•a designated storage area with restricted access to authorised personnel

•use by trained personnel only.

 

And 4.9.1.2 says:

 

Where strongly scented or taint-forming materials have to be used, for instance for building work, procedures shall be in place to prevent the risk of taint contamination of products.

 

Marshall

 

[dv8dawn]

Thank you Marshall for your prompt response.

 

Though, was expecting an example as our trainees are so smart to ask me examples however, I will manage them somehow…

 

Cheers…

 

Dv8.

[Nofish]

Hi 

 

An example ...The cocoa butter in chocolate absorbs odors, very fast / easy ...

 

BR 

[dv8dawn]

Example noted.

 

Thank u BR.

[Charles.C]

Hi dv8,

 

A generic answer for yr smart people  is that brc are providing a general procedure so as to cover all possible eventualities/disasters.

 

Yr next worker query will probably be jewelry.

 

Followed by snoods perhaps.

 

Or maybe the meaning of the word "strongly scented" .

 

This is a grey,grey area. BRC are simply covering their esteemed backs (another good generic explanation  ).

[dv8dawn]

Yeah you said it Charles!

 

Jewelry and snoods we can explicate with the help of pictures in training presentation.

 

Anyways, thanks for your very prompt responses; even on the weekend.

 

IFSQN-Team’s professional support is truly appreciable.

 

Great People, Great Team.

 

Thank you all,

 

Dv8

[trubertq]

At the last session of induction training I did, when I showed them the correct way to wear a mob cap I was asked about the risk of hair falling from eyebrows/ eyelashes.

 

I replied that if they wished to wear full face balaclava style head wear I would be more than happy to oblige. 

 

As Charles says, it's a grey area and common sense must prevail.

[Tony-C]

Hi All,

 

Could anyone tell me the specific reason with example on BRC’s point “6.2.10” “No perfume or aftershave changes to excessive perfume or after-shave shall be not permitted?”

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Dv8.

 

Hi Dv8,

 

Your numbering confused me for a minute, I think you are quoting the clause number from BRC Global Standard – Food (Issue 4 – January 2005)

 

Issue 7 is now current:

7.2.1 The requirements for personal hygiene shall be documented and communicated to all personnel. This shall include as a minimum the following requirements:
......
• excessive perfume or aftershave shall not be worn.

 

I do agree with previous posts that this is a grey area, the definition of 'excessive' is subjective so generally in hygiene policies I prefer to see no perfume or aftershave.

 

Regards,

 

Tony

[dv8dawn]

Yes Tony,

 

You are right, quoted clause number was from the old version. BTW thanks for the clarification.

 

But you know our smart guys were asking me if the system states “Excessive” which means mild perfume/deo/aftershave can be used else system would have been mentioned “NO”.

 

However, with the help of our brand standards; I insisted them follow “Do not use perfumes or after shaves inside the food preparation area”.

 

Cheers,

 

Dv8.

[Ian R]

I always advise clients that:

"You should not be able to smell the staff for any reason"

 

rgds

[dv8dawn]

Yes Ian,  very good statement indeed    

[clbernard]

Another issue related to wearing perfumes that ties in with not using scented soaps and cleaning substances, your sense of smell is important in the food industry just as your sense of sight and hearing.  Smells are often the first indication of a food safety issue with an off odor related to perhaps a bacterial growth.  Nothing should interfere with your ability to smell while in the production area, especially your own aroma or that of the person working next to you.   If you have ever worked in a dairy this will be obvious and  moves the issue a little beyond the grey area.

[dv8dawn]

Thank you Ciber for your input!

 

I will certainly include this counterpoint in my next training session.

[Tony-C]

Smells are often the first indication of a food safety issue with an off odor related to perhaps a bacterial growth.

 

Hopefully they are the last indication for several reasons .... 

 

Regards,

 

Tony