9 replies to this topic

[summersky09]

What does SQF require one to test in the compressed air that has indirect contact with food?  Our compressed air only touches the equipment after sanitation to assist with the drying process.  

We have our air tested annually, but I don't have what we test for and the limits written.  

[SQFconsultant]

So the equipment touches the food?

 

And you spray compressed air on the equipment.

 

Therefore the compressed air touches the food - or I should say, what might be in the air..

 

You need to test your compressed air system for residue, etc.

 

Be sure to take a look at the second module code # for compressed air as the lab needs to meet 17025 or equal.

 

I think IFSQN has an advertiser that offers this testing.

Edited by SQFconsultant, 04 September 2020 - 03:07 PM.

[summersky09]

Thank you so much for your reply.  I'm looking for a more detailed answer if you can help me.  "test your compressed air system for residue, etc."  Residue, etc = what exactly?  Hydrocarbons including Methane - limit 1? Hydrocarbons excluding Methane - limit 1?  Are these tests required?  What other tests are required. 

Our lab meets SQF regulatory requirements.  The testing details are being asked for by my SQF auditor. 

[SausageGuy]

The testing details are being asked for by my SQF auditor. 

 

I would reach out to your lab that you use and request that information from them.

[Simon]

One of the IFSQN sponsors are Trace Analytics LLC, they are very knowledgeable and super helpful.

 

I would send them an email or call them:

https://www.airchecklab.com

 

Hope this helps.

 

Kind Regards,

Simon

[SQFconsultant]

Thank you so much for your reply.  I'm looking for a more detailed answer if you can help me.  "test your compressed air system for residue, etc."  Residue, etc = what exactly?  Hydrocarbons including Methane - limit 1? Hydrocarbons excluding Methane - limit 1?  Are these tests required?  What other tests are required. 

Our lab meets SQF regulatory requirements.  The testing details are being asked for by my SQF auditor. 

 

Normally the air testing labs run a battery of various tests.

 

Recently we had a client that had never done an air compression test and we had one done as a part of their SQF development process - the results were downright scary!!!  Now he runs testing on a monthly basis.  

 

The auditor will just want to verify that it is done, see a copy of the report and your procedures that you follow for air testing.

Edited by SQFconsultant, 06 September 2020 - 07:29 PM.

[mikeq]

I have one source compressed air that runs to several machines.  Can I just test the main line that feeds several machines only?

[MMQA]

I have one source compressed air that runs to several machines. Can I just test the main line that feeds several machines only?

I would test each point of use as there may be issues on the lines or nozzles. Our procedure is to do it at each point of use.

Edited by MMQA, 19 April 2024 - 09:02 PM.

[jfrey123]

I have one source compressed air that runs to several machines.  Can I just test the main line that feeds several machines only?

 

Does the air touch the food?  Or is it just to operate devices on the machines (gates, moving mechanisms, etc.)?  My first facility used compressed air to operate air cylinders for plungers (to start/stop product flow) and reject gates on our open stream metal detectors.  We tested air once per year at the compressor, defending the practice by showing it was a non-contact situation and therefore the testing was not required per SQF.  Auditors accepted it.

[mikeq]

We manufacture non-direct food contact packaging products.  We do nothing with food or have any type of food or food related raw materials in our facility.  The air does not touch our packaging products.