Are sloping tops of cabinets a requirement?

Hello :) The question might be weird but could you please advise is there any clear requirement in FSSC or IFS or BRC which says that tops of the cabinets (their roof) must be sloppy, not straight? I know it is a good practice, to have it but is it "must have"? Can we manage cleanliness of the top of cabinets via procedures, controls and records? I attached picture as an example of what I'm asking about. Thanks in advance

Hi magnesowka,

For BRC, the below clause mentions the sloping tops. Note however this is in the interpretation guide and mentioned as an example, rather thant he clause itself saying "must/shall be sloped". So as long as you can prove you are effectively managing the cleanliness of flat topped lockers I can't see it being an issue with BRC from the standard. That said my lockers are slopy, it does make life a bit easier.

I'd check also any specific customer requirements you may have too as they may insist on it.

4.8.2 Storage facilities of sufficient size to accommodate personal items shall be provided for all personnel who
work in raw material handling, preparation, processing, packing and storage areas.
Interpretation

Storage of personal items
To prevent staff from bringing personal items (e.g. keys, mobile phones or coins) into production and
storage areas where they could contaminate products (e.g. as foreign bodies), there must be sufficient and
suitably secure storage for employees’ belongings. Storage for bulky items such as motorbike leathers and
helmets should be provided, as well as for smaller items such as jewellery and food.
Storage areas should be designed to facilitate good practice and cleaning (e.g. lockers with sloping tops to
prevent the accumulation of rubbish and raised off the floor to facilitate cleaning).

ps. no picture attached :smile:

The same question is raised in our company during certification audits: FSSC22000, KOSHER, EOS, and customer audits. We have flat cabinet tops and at the end of the day, customers were satisfied with hygiene and didn't make any further inquiries about the cabinets.