Storing Ready to Eat Items next to Not Ready to Eat Items
Hello everyone,
Does any of you have any good support documentation stating there is no potential of cross-contamination when Ready to Eat Items (e.g. vegetables) are stored next to Not Ready to Eat Items (e.g. raw meat) when they are correctly packaged? Thinking something from FDA or USDA or any scientific document. For me, this is just criteria, but one auditor observed this situation. For my corrective actions, I have to do a risk assessment, and I would like to include any good support documentation.
Thanks!
Silvialima
I doubt that you will find any documentation. Aside from USDA guidelines for people in their own home.
www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/safe-food-handling/be-smart-keep-foods-apart/ct_index
www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/general-food-safety-tips/safe-food-storage.html
It's just good practice not to in a commercial setting................but if you can't avoid it make sure raw meat is stored on the bottom shelves
If they are in the freezer, you may be able to find documentation. Like Scampi said, in the US it will say place meat, etc below all fruits and vegetables if necessary.
Hello everyone,
Does any of you have any good support documentation stating there is no potential of cross-contamination when Ready to Eat Items (e.g. vegetables) are stored next to Not Ready to Eat Items (e.g. raw meat) when they are correctly packaged? Thinking something from FDA or USDA or any scientific document. For me, this is just criteria, but one auditor observed this situation. For my corrective actions, I have to do a risk assessment, and I would like to include any good support documentation.
Thanks!
Silvialima
Insufficient context.
It depends on what you mean by "correctly packaged" and stored how/where ?
For example, IMEX for frozen seafood, product packed/sealed in bags/boxes within outer master cartons clearly poses negligible risk of cross-contamination. So no restrictions IMEX. It's not exactly Rocket Science.
Where there are allergen considerations I anticipate the story may (rightly or wrongly) change again.