Hello all,
Some context - I've been in QA for about a decade but recently got promoted to QA Manager. The facility I work at processes potatoes (cutting, blanching, freezing, packaging) that are then exported and processed by another facility overseas. My predecessor made our blancher step a CCP prior to leaving the company; a change that several others disagreed with. How difficult would it be to get it reclassified as a preventive control?
The critical limit on the blancher is currently a requirement for time and temperature ( >/= 74°celsius for at least 3min ). Since the product has additional temperature controls (freeze step & frozen storage) I don't agree that the blancher is a CCP, either. In my mind, it's more of a process preventive control, which will still require monitoring and a corrective action if limits aren't met.
The processor who buys our potatoes cooks them in a vacuum fryer. I plan to get ask for their time and temperature requirements, as well as any testing that's been done on their finished product (i.e.: water activity, micros, etc.).
After I have this information, my FS team will conduct a new hazard analysis to ensure the biological hazards are still controlled. Any additional measures that I'm missing? Perhaps a transfer of responsibility agreement with the next processor?
Thanks in advance,
ChrispyChips