Air quality monitoring (SQF 11.5.7)
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?
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.
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
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.
Dear All,
There are numerous threads here on the current topic.
Perhaps try this one for starters -
Hi to everyone, attached to this interesting material on this topic.
Hi to everyone, attached to this interesting material on this topic.
Hi Shiela,
Please see post 8, file sh5 of link in Post 5.
But thanks anyway.
Not only microbiological contamination in the compressed air but also oil.
Not only microbiological contamination in the compressed air but also oil.
As included within the related ISO standards, et al for air quality.
Glenn Oster
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.
There is a standard for the Test method for air. viable microbiological contaminant content: air compressed air testing i.e. ISO 8573-7.