Metal detectorable pens

Hi

 

The requirement for metal detectable one piece pens, where does it originate from, we adhere to this practice but having checked through the BRC v7 standard I can find no mention of this (unless I've missed it).  We were asked by a customer to implement this, but what standard does it originate can someone enlighten me.

 

Thanks

Hi

 

In the Tesco Food Manufacturing standard it says pens must be: without detachable lid, opaque, of a contrasting colour to the product and metal detectable where the site has a metal detector.

 

Best regards

John

Thanks for the info John, do you happen to have a copy of the page where it refers, :mwah: as we don't supply Tesco and GM thinks I'm making it up

 

Thanks

I can't work out how to copy and paste an image in here but it's in section 16.

 

 

Section 16

Foreign object control and detection

Control of foreign objects present in the production area minimises the risk of contamination or damage to the food products manufactured. Control also minimises the risk of causing subsequent injury or harm to the consumer.

 

Foreign object controls and risk assessment

The site must have a documented risk assessment and corresponding effective procedures in place to eliminate (as far as practically possible) all potential foreign object hazards.

The risk assessment may include the following, although this is not an exhaustive list:

 the process and level of maintenance

 glass

 plastic

 wood

 metal (e.g. wire brushes)

 paper

 string

 tape

 cardboard

 staples

 personal items

Where any materials identified as a potential foreign object are used in the process or integral to the product (e.g. bag clips, tamper seals, cocktail sticks) they must be suitably controlled to prevent contamination.

Product packaging or distribution trays/crates etc., must not be used to store other materials (e.g. nuts, bolts, tools, chemicals).

All pens used within storage and production areas must be site issued. Pens must be:

 without detachable lid

 opaque (i.e. not clear)

 of a contrasting colour to the product

 metal detectable where the site has a metal detector

Thanks GMO much appreciated :spoton: