5 replies to this topic

[Laura982]

Hello 

 

I have read through some previous questions but still not feeling that they answer my question. Should Heat sealing gas flushed trays of a pre mixed 70% Co2 & 30% Nitrogen be a CCP for cooked meats covered in flavouring with an average of 12 days life?

 

I did the 4 question decision tree (N,Y,N, Y = CCP) 

 

So a few questions given were buying in mixed gas should we test for the correct amount in the tray or just test the seals? 

 

Many thanks 

[Scampi]

You should be checking both, but I would suggest  more frequent seal verification than gas testing as the seal is much more likely to cause problems

[Laura982]

Thanks, we test the seal but do you think it should be a CCP?

[kingstudruler1]

Thanks, we test the seal but do you think it should be a CCP?

 

 

My take is that the process of map packaging includes both the "adding" of gas as well as sealing.   The CCP is the "MAP packaging" process.

 

Much like a "cooking" process contains both time and temperature.   You have to control / monitor both.   The process of MAP packaging is gas addition and sealing.   Both the seal and gas would need to be monitored, verified, validated, etc. 

[kfromNE]

Depends on the hazards you've identified in your product. If product recontamination after the product is seal is identified as a hazard - then the sealing could be a CCP. 

 

The MAP mixture - used for a better shelf-life and not reduction of biological organisms. 

[KTD]

I agree with kfromNE. I typically see MAP used for shelf-life extension, more than food safety. Have you made the determination as to which use yours is for?

 

Either way, you can do a short study to verify that the gas flushing process is removing O₂ down to your limit or CO₂ is present within the specified limits. If gas concentration is good, do as Scampi indicated and focus on seal integrity with a lower gas verification rate.

 

Just as important is to verify that the gas inputting system is being properly cleaned and sanitized. Can you run a media plate (APC, Sab Dex) through the process after cleaning and incubate it? You might be amazed at what the horn/nozzle is blowing onto your product if proper disassembly, cleaning, and sanitizing is not done...

 

KTD