Food Grade vs Non-food Grade and other chemicals

I'm looking for some guidance on the storage of chemicals. I've learned most of it from our FSSC audits, such as Non-food grade cannot be stored on a shelf above Food Grade. I'm wanting to add some training for our employees but have not been successful with finding details on the internet where it relates to FSSC. Most information is in accordance to OSHA.

Hi Pamela,

For Food Manufacturers, the FSSC 22000 Certification Scheme is based on:

ISO 22000:2018 requirements for any organization in the food chain;

ISO/TS 22002-1 Prerequisite programmes on food safety — Part 1: Food manufacturing

FSSC 22000 Additional Requirements Version 6

Requirements for storage of chemicals are prescribed in ISO/TS 22002-1 Prerequisite programmes on food safety — Part 1: Food manufacturing. Below are the key requirements for the storage of chemicals.

5.7 Storage of food, packaging materials, ingredients and non-food chemicals

Facilities used to store ingredients, packaging and products shall provide protection from dust, condensation, drains, waste and other sources of contamination.

Storage areas shall be dry and well ventilated. Monitoring and control of temperature and humidity shall be applied where specified.

Storage areas shall be designed or arranged to allow segregation of raw materials, work in progress and finished products.

All materials and products shall be stored off the floor and with sufficient space between the material and the walls to allow inspection and pest control activities to be carried out.

The storage area shall be designed to allow maintenance and cleaning, prevent contamination and minimize deterioration.

A separate, secure (locked or otherwise access controlled) storage area shall be provided for cleaning materials, chemicals and other hazardous substances.

Exceptions for bulk or agricultural crop materials shall be documented in the food safety management system.

6.3 Boiler chemicals

Boiler chemicals shall be stored in a separate, secure (locked or otherwise access-controlled) area when not in immediate use.

11.2 Cleaning and sanitizing agents and tools

Cleaning and sanitizing agents and chemicals shall be clearly identified, food grade, stored separately and used only in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

16.2 Warehousing requirements

Waste materials and chemicals (cleaning products, lubricants, and pesticides) shall be stored separately.

It is highly unlikely that you will find FSSC specific training for this, I would develop a presentation for staff based on the above.

Kind regards,

Tony