7 replies to this topic

[AardvarkHunter]

A company warehouse I just audited is using feather dusters to clean tables used for e-commerce packaging. Everything we handle is sealed in packaging already with no exposed food. This does not "feel" right to me but I cannot find a specific SQF prohibition to it. Can someone help me identify a code or regulatory citation to help convince the team to replace them? (or are they ok?)

[Tony-C]

Hi AardvarkHunter,

 

 

Welcome to the IFSQN forums.

 

An unusual one!  

Feather dusters are just spreading dirt, dust & debris around and are not commonly used in any type of food operation so I doubt very much that you will find much on this.

 

One area may be 12.2.5 Cleaning and Sanitation, clause 12.2.5.4 ‘Provision shall be made for the effective cleaning of equipment, utensils, and protective clothing.’ as I doubt they are being cleaned.

 

Kind regards,

 

Tony

[kconf]

Can they be used for high ceilings? (cobwebs etc.) 

[Setanta]

Can they be used for high ceilings? (cobwebs etc.) 

 

I would NOT in any warehouse or production areas. if someone finds a feather, they are going to presume there is an issue with birds in the facility.

[kconf]

What are the risks? If everything is in closed, packaged condition in warehouse, why can't it be? What are the alternatives? 

[Setanta]

What are the risks? If everything is in closed, packaged condition in warehouse, why can't it be? What are the alternatives? 

 

 

We use something like a Swiffer or a disposable microfiber 'cloth' on an extension pole. The FDA /USDA would like to jump on any evidence of birds anywhere in a facility.

[G M]

It's basically a broom, and like mentioned above just pushed filth from one place to another.  You say 'feather' but what I'm actually picturing something more robust with thick bright blue plastic bristles (or whatever color adequately contrasts with your product) -- just a hand broom -- and don't see any particular problem with it in principle.

 

As for a utensil that actually contains feathers or any other fine filaments, no.  Fine fibers and bristles are just another source of FM.

[jfrey123]

Sanitation code in SQF requires you describe what is to be cleaned and how, which includes the cleaning implements themselves.  If they can't clean the feather dusters on a regular basis, you can argue they're not suitable for dusting (because eventually you're just using a dirty wand to move more dust around).  Supporting this, companies will have their wash rags and mops and such laundered by their approved service (as many offer this and have a HACCP plan for laundered goods).

 

They could respond that they'll swap the feather dusters for new ones at a given frequency.  They could also switch to rags or other disposable items for this dusting activity.  The risk seems super low as we're talking about a warehouse area with sealed food packages going into secondary boxing for shipping.