SQF Ed. 8 - 11.3.1.4 Risk Assessment for drinking water in processing
SQF states "Drinking of water is permissible only under conditions that prevent contamination or other food safety risks from occurring."
Any guidance on this clause? We are a dry manufacturing facility and very cautious about introducing water in processing areas. We do have a hand washing station in a designated area away from manufacturing lines. Is this something that SQF auditors will look to see a risk assessment on? Any experience or ideas on how to control this?
Thank you!
I suggest you define the area where drinking water is permissible very clearly and train employees that this area is not considered part of the processing area. Training will need to include that water cannot be carried out of the defined area.
Since it is a dry manufacturing facility don't allow drinking water in the gmp areas, do allow drinking water from a water fountain type set-up in a non-gmp area.
We provide all employees with clear, colorless plastic bottles that can hold only water (no sugar, no flavors, etc.). We had to find special bottles that did not have to be listed on our glass and brittle plastics register.
We had a water fountain in a designated area (painted section on the floor, with barriers) and conical paper cups so that they will not stand on a surface. (dispensed from a holder at the side of the water fountain) and a bin for cup disposal. Hand sanitize for after drinking before returning to production.
People must stay within this area to drink.
Our fountain was one with a big bottle on top but you could have it piped into the mains . You could even have a swan neck fountain so that cups are not need, people drink directly from the water jet.
We provide all employees with clear, colorless plastic bottles that can hold only water (no sugar, no flavors, etc.). We had to find special bottles that did not have to be listed on our glass and brittle plastics register.
Can you tell me what kind of bottles you provided your employees
Most sports bottles will do, as they are generally made from impact resistant plastic
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