3 replies to this topic

[3esa]

We are spice processing facility that sells in bulk to customers for further processing and packaging. The final step for our spices is to go through a steam sterilization "kill step" and then packed directly into packaging in an enclosed processing line. The room is segregated from other processing areas and outside environment. Is this considered a high risk process and therefore needing ambient air testing by new SQF Edition 9?

[Prasant Prusty]

@3esa, the answer is not straight forward Yes or No, without a proper risk assessment. What are the likelihood and severity of environmental contamination post sterilization needed to be evaluated. Your product is spices with low moisture content which does not support microbial growth. What is the application of the spices ? Are they used for further processing and may have additional kill step or ready to use ( I have seen limited ready to eat applications). Evaluate the risk of pathogenic cross contamination from the air and risk of indicators to the product. What kind of air handling unit, filtration and and preventive maintenance program you have in place. All these would help in getting to the need and frequency of testing. So in my opinion Air testing may be required for indicator organisms based on the exposure and risk but the frequency can be decided based on the risk assessment and historical data. 

[SQFconsultant]

Air testing is for compressed air that comes into contact with food - surfaces, that opens packaging, or used as an ingredient etc.

You will need to run steam tests.

[Charles.C]

Also see this related parallel thread -

 

https://www.ifsqn.co...ct/#entry180265