Hi all,
We are BRC V8 accredited. I have a question regarding performing allergen cleaning validation for a product containing two allergens sesame (sesame paste) and soya ( tamari soy sauce).
This product introduces the soya as a new allergen to our process.
Our current allergen cleaning validation (for sesame only) consists of an ATP UltraSnap swab followed by a Neogen swab for sesame. First portion of allergen free product is then sent for an ELISA sesame test. We have to obtain positive results for the NEOGEN swabs on surfaces where product residues are present; perform cleaning and then obtain negative results for the cleaning to be considered successful.
The challenge comes from the fact that the Neogen Soya swab appeared to not be able to detect the protein in the soya sauce due to the fermentation. As a result it cannot be used for our purposes.
I was wondering if anyone with experience could advise of a suitable approach to guarantee that there is no soya residue left. We cannot use a 'May contain' statement. I also don't know if the ELISA swabbing would be able to detect fermented protein.
Would it, perhaps be sufficient if we only use the ATP and the sesame test (my consideration is that sesame paste is more difficult to clean) to demonstrate there hasn't been any protein residue?
Are there any highly sensitive rapid swabs for soya that might work in the scenario described? Non - protein specific swabs would probably not be sensitive enough to pick the soya protein in this case.
Any advice on the above would be highly appreciated.
Many thanks in advance.
