6 replies to this topic

[Foibe]

Hi All,

 

How does one control string in the factory? Like the string that's used to close sugar, maize meal bags? I got a finding that our foreign objects control procedure does not address string that comes off the ingredients bags. We have control measures in place for metal, glass, wood, plastic etc. but not for string. Anyone with ideas or examples please?

[FurFarmandFork]

Is the concern from string from opening these bags, or are you using it to close them?

[Foibe]

HI F³, 

 

The concern is the string that comes off the bags after opening them. Of-course we have a control in place that they are thrown away with the bags but how do i prove to the auditor that this is being done (documentation)??

[foodsafety4all]

HI F³,

The concern is the string that comes off the bags after opening them. Of-course we have a control in place that they are thrown away with the bags but how do i prove to the auditor that this is being done (documentation)??

You will have to identify opening of bags as the process step and at that step string shall be considered as physical hazard and control measures shall be use of dedicated bin to store it.

Practically use dedicated bin for it to collect string. Discard them with bags or in dustbin without keeping any records of it.
Just you have to identify it during risk analysis/hazard analysis/haccp study documents.
That's why you need to review your haccp study.

Sent from my E2363 using Tapatalk

[FurFarmandFork]

I agree with foodsafetyforall that the major finding was that you didn't include string in your SOP. Not that your controls were necessarily inadequate, but you needed to identify it as a hazard and think about how you control it and how you will monitor that it does not become an issue in the future.

 

In the past I've shared these string controls with auditors:

 

Bag-opening process control

Have the bags be opened away/below wherever you're dumping the ingredients (hopper), which greatly reduces the liklihood that a rogue string  could enter the product stream rather than falling on the floor.

Is it possible to have the ingredients double-bagged, so that there's a paper enclosure inside you cut open after removing the string closed bag? That can help depending on auditor.

Is there a good recepticle for string that will keep it contained (and help it not cling to gloves or clothing when attempting to throw away. Maybe something with flexible flap lid like this: https://s7d2.scene7....17934937p?$478$

 

Material dumping process control

Can you include a screen in your hopper or whatever you're dumping the grain in? This is a great process control for paper bags as they catch strips/scraps and tape. And would likely catch string as well.

[Foibe]

You will have to identify opening of bags as the process step and at that step string shall be considered as physical hazard and control measures shall be use of dedicated bin to store it.

Practically use dedicated bin for it to collect string. Discard them with bags or in dustbin without keeping any records of it.
Just you have to identify it during risk analysis/hazard analysis/haccp study documents.
That's why you need to review your haccp study.

Sent from my E2363 using Tapatalk

Thank you very much. Helps a lot

[Foibe]

I agree with foodsafetyforall that the major finding was that you didn't include string in your SOP. Not that your controls were necessarily inadequate, but you needed to identify it as a hazard and think about how you control it and how you will monitor that it does not become an issue in the future.

 

In the past I've shared these string controls with auditors:

 

Bag-opening process control

Have the bags be opened away/below wherever you're dumping the ingredients (hopper), which greatly reduces the liklihood that a rogue string  could enter the product stream rather than falling on the floor.

Is it possible to have the ingredients double-bagged, so that there's a paper enclosure inside you cut open after removing the string closed bag? That can help depending on auditor.

Is there a good recepticle for string that will keep it contained (and help it not cling to gloves or clothing when attempting to throw away. Maybe something with flexible flap lid like this: https://s7d2.scene7....17934937p?$478$

 

Material dumping process control

Can you include a screen in your hopper or whatever you're dumping the grain in? This is a great process control for paper bags as they catch strips/scraps and tape. And would likely catch string as well.

Thank you for your response. Very helpful.