2 replies to this topic

[Leslie123]

Hi -

 

I am happy I found this group!  I have already found some answers I was looking for.

 

I am preparing a Food Safety Plan to meet FSMA requirements.  As we manufacture fuel and food grade ethanol there are very few food safety related hazards but regardless a plan must be in place.  Is there anyone here with experience in this commodity?  My experience is mainly in meat and ready to eat foods so I very much don't want to overshoot the requirements.

 

Is anyone aware of any generic models for this industry?  Not for the co-products (distillers grains, etc) but for the ethanol?

 

Thanks in advance!

 

Leslie.

[Watanka]

Hi Leslie,

 

There is not a lot out there having to do with ethanol producers. The beverage side a relatively small industry in terms of number of licensed distilleries.  High-proof alcohol is not a microbe's first choice for a long life.  As far as FSMA goes, take a look at 21 CFR Chapter 27, Sub-Chapter I - Improving Capacity to Prevent Food Safety Problems, § 2206 Alcohol-Related Facilities.  If your plant is in Canada there may be other requirements for you that do not apply to distilled spirit plants in the States.

[Gerard H.]

Hi Leslie,

 

For the production of food grade ethanol, I would suggest the following aspects to take into consideration:

• Exclusion of presence of methanol or other alcohols than ethanol
• Foreign body management
• Avoidance of heavy metals
• Food contact materials (avoidance of undesired substances from food contact materials)
• Furthermore there are the environmental safety aspects (for example: dedicated storage, labeling and transport conditions)

I hope this gives a direction to what to look for.

 

Kind regards,

 

Gerard Heerkens