Storing filled beer kegs outside
Anyone have any insight on the storage of filled beer kegs outdoors? In order to increases warehouse space we are looking at storing our Filled Stainless steel kegs in the yard. This would be common practice in the industry. I'm looking for the correct way to do this it in terms of BRC. Is it allowed? if so, what we will need todo for it. Thanks in advance.
what are the kegs made out of, what are the environmental conditions in your area, what else is contained in the yard, have you done a risk analysis to determine if this is plausible.
For Stainless Steel kegs, I would worry most about the tap (or faucet) exposure. It it wrapped?
Yes, you probably need to do a Risk Assessment,
what are the kegs made out of, what are the environmental conditions in your area, what else is contained in the yard, have you done a risk analysis to determine if this is plausible.
what are the kegs made out of: Stainless Steel
what are the environmental conditions in your area: lots of rain and wind. we will defiantly be covering them.
what else is contained in the yard: empty wooden pallets.
have you done a risk analysis to determine if this is plausible: currently in the prosses
For Stainless Steel kegs, I would worry most about the tap (or faucet) exposure. It it wrapped?
Yes, you probably need to do a Risk Assessment,
The fitting on the top is covered with a cap and standard practice is for pub/bars to sterilize this before connecting to it.
Will defiantly do a Risk Assessment.
Brian,
Will the keg storage area be locked? Are the kegs on wooden keg pallets? What is the food safety impact of the pallets being exposed to the exterior conditions and then having that pallet sent out to the trade. I would definitely do a risk assessment.
Now this is the Master Brewer in me talking, are you concerned with the impact that direct sunlight, hot and cold temperatures would have on the beer inside of the keg. Not a food safety issue, but a definite quality issue? I worked in a major regional brewery in the U.S. for close to 30 years and we would never store filled beer kegs outside with the exception of a trailer waiting to be picked up. We actually sanitized the tap prior to putting the tap protector on the keg.
Let me know how you make out.
Leo
Once the keg is filled, the fitting is sanitized and capped, information should be on the keg that the fitting was sanitized before capping but MUST be thoroughly sanitized before tapping. Whether stored inside or out, that should cover any food safety issues especially if you will be covering them and they won't be subject to temperature extremes for prolonged periods (to avoid quality issues). Make sure you address all potential issues in your risk assessment and the preventive measures are adequate to prevent food safety risks. Cheers!
I would be concerned with environmental factors (temperature fluctuations), possible intentional adulteration and pests. As others have said, need a risk assessment.