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Air quality monitoring (SQF 11.5.7)

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Michael Westenberger

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Posted 11 March 2016 - 12:02 PM

Currently we do not use compressed air in a fashion where food or food contact surfaces are directly compromised. However, we do use a compressor to propel sanitation chemicals (foot foamers, sanitizer, etc.) to the point of application. As it pertains to SQF 11.5.7, would I need an Air Quality Monitoring program for this?



terris

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Posted 11 March 2016 - 03:13 PM

Hi Michael,

  We are just starting a program ourselves so I am no expert. But my understanding is that if it touches any food contact surfaces you must test the air quality. So...if you are moving chemicals with the air onto food contact surfaces and/or the air touches food contact surfaces while moving the chemicals my thought is yes, you probably should test.



tandid

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Posted 11 March 2016 - 03:18 PM

Hi Terris and Mike,

 

I find this compenent quite interesting. My question is how do you monitor the quality of air? What tests would be ideal, and how often would these need to be carried out?

 

Thank you



terris

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Posted 11 March 2016 - 04:23 PM

We are having it monitored by an external lab. Our first testing is scheduled for next month. My understanding is that they will do microbiological testing on an agar plate. Not sure though if they will blow the compressed air across the plate for some time or do something else to obtain the sample. We are only planning on having it tested annually like our potable water test.



Charles.C

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Posted 12 March 2016 - 10:00 AM

Dear All,

 

There are numerous threads here on the current topic.

 

Perhaps try this one for starters -

 

http://www.ifsqn.com...ent/#entry81054


Kind Regards,

 

Charles.C


She_Tap

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Posted 13 March 2016 - 12:16 AM

Hi to everyone, attached to this interesting material on this topic.

 https://www.foodengi...r-Food-GMPs.pdf



Charles.C

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Posted 13 March 2016 - 01:43 PM

Hi to everyone, attached to this interesting material on this topic.

 https://www.foodengi...r-Food-GMPs.pdf

 

Hi Shiela,

 

Please see post 8, file sh5 of link in Post 5.

 

But thanks anyway.


Kind Regards,

 

Charles.C


She_Tap

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Posted 14 March 2016 - 12:27 AM

It was repeated, right ?, I'm sorry, you're taking me with advantage but now I get a day!!!! :silly:
Charles, Thanks for understanding and guidance.


CMHeywood

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Posted 16 March 2016 - 07:55 PM

Not only microbiological contamination in the compressed air but also oil.



Charles.C

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Posted 16 March 2016 - 09:11 PM

Not only microbiological contamination in the compressed air but also oil.

 

As included within the related ISO standards, et al for air quality.


Kind Regards,

 

Charles.C


SQFconsultant

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Posted 20 March 2016 - 03:54 AM

In answer to your question Michael, the answer would be NO, the air purity testing would not be required for this application.

Glenn Oster


All the Best,

 

All Rights Reserved,

Without Prejudice,

Glenn Oster.

Glenn Oster Consulting, LLC -

SQF System Development | Internal Auditor Training | eConsultant

 

 

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http://www.GCEMVI.XYZ

http://www.GlennOster.com

 

774.563.7048


Charles.C

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Posted 20 March 2016 - 12:30 PM

Hi Michael,

 

To expand the previous Post -

SQF Code

11.5.7.1 Compressed air that contacts food or food contact surfaces shall be clean and present no risk to food

safety;

11.5.7.2 Compressed  air  systems  used  in  the  manufacturing  process  shall  be  maintained  and  regularly monitored for purity.

 

 

SQF Guidance

What does it mean?

This applies to compressed air that comes into contact with exposed food product (e.g. pneumatic conveying), food contact surfaces and interior surface packaging.  It does not apply to air that does not

come into contact with food or food contact surfaces.  

 

 

Seems fairly unambiguous.

 

But a little later-
 

 

Wherever the compressed air comes in contact with the food, either directly or indirectly, high efficiency filters are to be in place at point-of-use where the air enters the final section of tubing (not in the compressor room).  This will significantly reduce the risk of microbial contamination of the food from the air.

 

The art of ambiguity. First you see it, then you don't.


Kind Regards,

 

Charles.C


Ashish Goswami

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Posted 31 May 2016 - 10:35 AM

There is a standard for the Test method for air. viable microbiological contaminant content: air compressed air testing i.e. ISO 8573-7.

 





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