3 replies to this topic

[dcash29]

Is it be possible to establish systems in a non-food contact packaging site that will allow it to produce the occasional food contact packaging job? No permanent fixtures would be permitted to obstruct the floors open flow. As a result, I believe the correct action should be 100% food contact or don't bother.

 

 

Thanks in advance.

[Scotty_SQF]

I believe there would be away to do it, but it may be harder than most people think and would be more time consuming, thus maybe not worth the time and energy. Basically you would have to have a way to maintain food grade integrity throughout the process.  How it is stored, converted etc.  Whichever machine(s) the food grade is run on, would have to be cleaned prior and you would need some sort of documented evidence to show it is clean.  The only way I have seen this successfully done is to have a dedicated machine.  Then again you need to make sure other factors are in place in the manufacturing/warehouse environment.

[Boxes]

We have machines that run both direct and indirect contact. Scotty is right on the requirements.

 

Travelers are identified as Food Grade and include a separate Food Grade Cleaning checklist with cleaning duties and checks for hair covering / beard nets.

Cleaning items are simple, sweep floor, clear any materials from previous job, clean ink trays,etc.

This requires sign off by operator and Supervisor who also checks off items as completed.

There are boundary lines painted on the floor with signs noting authorized personnel only and our GMP's support this.

 

For storage and shipment we require stretch film on units raw material sheets and finished product. Employees are trained to inspect for any signs of damage to wrap that may compromise the materials and it is written into our GMP's.

 

Our GMP's are basic covering requirements and apply to everyone all the time with a few tweaks that only apply when running direct contact.

When setting up the system it came down to "what do you do different when processing direct contact, and what records do you have to prove it's being followed?"

[dcash29]

We adhere to the majority of the above under GMP. However, a machine/finishing area cannot be committed full-time to FC work and must be used on an as-needed basis. Furthermore, there are various entry points to the factory, thus there is no central point with hand washing clothing facilities.