3 replies to this topic

[proseheat837]

Hello, 

Really hoping someone could help me with this...our company is moving forward with trying to break into the retail market. Our company plans to have its seasonings sold to retail grocery chains. The seasoning will be packaged in 160ML Glass Bottles with wood caps. I am looking at updating our HACCP Plan. The spices will be filled through automation into the glass bottles. The CCPs we have included are as follows: 

 

- Visual inspection of glass jars prior to filling

- visual inspection every 4 hours during packaging run to ensure no breakage

- metal detection at the end of packaging run

 

Are there any other CCPs we should consider that are cost-effective? I have looked into the Flexxray machine, but this is very expensive for our company...is there any other CCPs we should take into account concerning glass and other foreign matter. 

[Scampi]

I spend some time at a pickle factory

 

Jars were washed prior to use (visual inspection)  and were inspected again post fill/cool

 

Neither of these were CCPs, just routine monitoring

 

If a jar breaks in process, you will need to remove X # of jars on either side that are not yet capped as well to ensure no glass makes its way into other jars

 

What about allergens??

[SQFconsultant]

I've seen two methods used in spice packing companies.

 

1. washing of each jar.

2.. machine that that inverts the bottles, uses compressed air for blow out and a fine detector vac/led.

 

My questions are on the wood top - lots of impacts there, is it film coated (what type), what kind of wood, can they splinter, is the wood treated with a chemical that could interact with content, etc.

[proseheat837]

Thank You Scampi and SQFConsultant, 

The bottle lids are bamboo finish with plastic lining (food grade). No chemical film applied to the wood finish that would interact with film. These have been 3rd party tested for Leachability and lead. Will address this as well in the HACCP Plan. 

 

Regarding glass, it appears that a flexray machine may not be necessary? We are concerned about this as this is very expensive for our company, so trying to look at more cost-effective ways of ensuring safety.