Variety Packs containing product with dissimilar allergens
Hi All,
Please I need help - I just started recently as the QA Specialist for a new RTE sandwich/micro meal company. Now, I came in to help in getting GFSI certification (any one is fine). However, I have notice some practice lately that discourage me a lot.
1. We intend to start variety pack - where we will be packing finished products (closed and packaged) of dissimilar allergen(s) in one master shipper tray. I have presented my concerns about this (which is mainly cross contact concerns) but I think from my discussion with management they really want to go ahead with this. Also, they reasoned since we are not currently under CFIA it is fine.
I really do not know what to do ….. just wondering if anyone here has experience with such packing? Is this even okay? I am really worried . . . .
2. Also, is there any possibility of getting HACCP certification without any physical hazard detection device such as x-ray or metal detector or sifter?
Hi All,
Please I need help - I just started recently as the QA Specialist for a new RTE sandwich/micro meal company. Now, I came in to help in getting GFSI certification (any one is fine). However, I have notice some practice lately that discourage me a lot.
1. We intend to start variety pack - where we will be packing finished products (closed and packaged) of dissimilar allergen(s) in one master shipper tray. I have presented my concerns about this (which is mainly cross contact concerns) but I think from my discussion with management they really want to go ahead with this. Also, they reasoned since we are not currently under CFIA it is fine.
I really do not know what to do ….. just wondering if anyone here has experience with such packing? Is this even okay? I am really worried . . . .
2. Also, is there any possibility of getting HACCP certification without any physical hazard detection device such as x-ray or metal detector or sifter?
Hi Charles,
Need more info.
Product type = ?
Process = ?
Is there a haccp plan ?
Offhand, the process you describe sounds like it would offer some serious haccp challenges.
Thanks so much for your swift reply also.
Product type - micro meals and sandwich ( have different allergens - most of the products have different allergen)
Process - All the micro-meals and all the meats used in the sandwiches go through cooking
No, there is no HACCP plan - currently working to develop some of the PRP and SOP ( I am following the CFIA FSEP as a PCP)
Yes, that is my worry ….. please any insight will greatly be appreciated. thanks
Thanks so much for your swift reply also.
Product type - micro meals and sandwich ( have different allergens - most of the products have different allergen)
Process - All the micro-meals and all the meats used in the sandwiches go through cooking
No, there is no HACCP plan - currently working to develop some of the PRP and SOP ( I am following the CFIA FSEP as a PCP)
Yes, that is my worry ….. please any insight will greatly be appreciated. thanks
cfia-based haccp plans tend to be quite rigorous. As you no doubt are aware, some model haccp plans are available on their website although, offhand, I don't recall any for sandwiches.
The risk of allergenic cross-contamination will depend on the process configuration, eg whether all are produced on same line / cleaning procedures when changing products, etc.
Just as a (very) basic example, I attach a haccp plan for tuna sandwich.
haccp plan tuna sandwich.pdf 13.85KB 14 downloads
Wow. Thank you so much Charles. I really do appreciate you. Thank you
I don't understand why it is that much of a concern. As long as the label identifies all the allergens contained in the package you're allowed to sell variety packs. Just make sure they declare all of them on the label. If everything is already finished just print a sticker that goes on the outside of the box that declares "CAUTION: This variety pack contains multiple allergens that have been packed in the same secondary packaging."
Attached Files
Why are you not under CFIA, you're not shipping outside your province?
There is a ton of great help on CFIA's website
No, you do not need metal detection or xray if your hazard analysis says you don't. If you have not yet taken a HACCP course, I strongly suggest you do so
Thank you all, your inputs have really being helpful. Thanks so much!
@Scampi - Yes, we are not shipping out the province yet.