Request for Food Contact Equipment Policy

Can someone share a Food Contact Equipment policy & procedure? 

As in what? Could you be more specific? 

An owner was fabricating a part ( he's a machinist) for an Auger and did so without my knowledge. He created a piece for the auger just to see if it would work before he actually went and bought the  food safe stainless steel.  It rusted.  The equipment never made it production but it could have...... I have a Sanitary Design form but need an actual step by step procedure of what to do before you purchase anything that is going to be used food contact.  

You could also use an approval program. It is a bit more cumbersome, but it allows for all departments to weigh in on these kinds of decisions.

 

However, being an owner he could disregard either one of these, if he doesn't understand their importance.

Setana - agreed. He wants to do what is needed  for food safety but it has to be very black & white. Do you have an example of Approval Programs ?

It depends on the industry. What do you make? 

In general, use this.

 

 

Description

Purchase of New and Second-hand Equipment used for food processing

 

 

PHYSICAL

• Must comply to any relevant legislation
• Food contact surfaces meet legal requirements
• Equipment is intended for food processing and handling
• Supplier provides evidence that equipment meets these requirements

CHEMICAL

• Design and construction will prevent chemical and allergen contamination (correct seals, smooth welds and joints, impervious surfaces)

MICROBIAL

• Design and construction will prevent microbial contamination

Setana - agreed. He wants to do what is needed  for food safety but it has to be very black & white. Do you have an example of Approval Programs ?

 

 

I have attached a few checklists you can use /  adjust as you see fit.   Googling "sanitary design" checklist / program may also give you some more ideas.   

 

I kinda like how BRCGS does this as well.   There is the "sanitary design/approval" portion as well as a "commissioning" portion.   Both are important.   

 

The program / procedure can simply  be that you will evaluate based off of the checklist(s).