19 replies to this topic

[FSM4you]

Hello,

 

We have an upcoming SQF audit. I would I to know if Air Testing would be required if the compressed air we use is ONLY for the machines, and does not go in/around food or packing. It is only used to operate the machines. The rule seems ambiguous to me, as it is not specific. 

 

Thanks for your help.

[SQFconsultant]

IF there is any chance of food contact you will need to have the routine testing.

 

IF you don't need to test it, do put something into writing as to exactly what it is used for, picture of machine, etc and show that to the Auditor (the document is not an SQF requirement, but it's a nice touch for the Auditor.

 

So, with all that said it appears you do not need to test it.

[jfrey123]

I've always defended that compressed air not used in direct food contact doesn't need to be tested, but my SOP's clearly state this in multiple places.  I throw it into relevant maintenance SOP's, I include it in our policies for processing our ingredients/products, and I triple include it in the sanitation SOP's.  I even list it in our overall EMP program, stating that if the process changed and air was used for food contact, it outlines what testing we would start to perform.  Auditors like to see that even if you aren't needing to do it, you have a plan to do it should the needs change.

[Scampi]

I would just do it anyway  

We are in the same situation, but it's really not worth the aggravation of having to explain why you don't test

[Hoosiersmoker]

I would make sure if you exclude it perform a risk assessment and keep it with that section of the code for your auditor. Be ready for a challenge and for them to look carefully during your audit for the one place it could come into contact with the product. We us it for blowing off our product during finishing for quality and appearance so we test ours at each machine and have our filtration on a PM schedule.

[tadelong]

You don't need to test, but it's a hassle and a half to convince the auditor. We never did for our air ride scales. Worth the 5-minute argument once a year.

[carine]

We use air blower in our auto-packing machine, how to get to know that air from blower had direct contact with food? 

[MDaleDDF]

Hello,

 

We have an upcoming SQF audit. I would I to know if Air Testing would be required if the compressed air we use is ONLY for the machines, and does not go in/around food or packing. It is only used to operate the machines. The rule seems ambiguous to me, as it is not specific. 

 

Thanks for your help.

we have the same situation and I test ambient air in production and warehouse, but do not need to test the pressurized air as it is not food contact.

 

Also as Hoosier stated we have regular PM's on filtration, and on my monthly inspection I verify filtration, etc.

Edited by MDaleDDF, 22 May 2025 - 11:51 AM.

[Hoosiersmoker]

Is there ever a situation where compressed air is used to blow down machines?

[TylerJones]

I've had an auditor tell me that the release of compressed air say from a film brake of other mechanical part does go into direct contact becase it is released into the same air that open product is in before it is packaged. I'd either just test the compressed air or do a RA and capture it in the ambient air test. I do compressed air testing and it is about a 20 second glance at the certificate from the auditor and onto the next clause in the audit.

[MDaleDDF]

I've had an auditor tell me that the release of compressed air say from a film brake of other mechanical part does go into direct contact becase it is released into the same air that open product is in before it is packaged. I'd either just test the compressed air or do a RA and capture it in the ambient air test. I do compressed air testing and it is about a 20 second glance at the certificate from the auditor and onto the next clause in the audit.

Let's downshift to the next question then.     How do you test?   Do you just hold up a dish to the air?   Rent one of those kits that connects to the system?    I'd be interested to hear how you guys are all testing your air.....

[Hoosiersmoker]

Let's downshift to the next question then.     How do you test?   Do you just hold up a dish to the air?   Rent one of those kits that connects to the system?    I'd be interested to hear how you guys are all testing your air.....

 

I use the 3M Petrifilm Rapid Yeast and Mold. Expose to a stream of compressed air at each point of use for 1 minute. Open one and leave it open and exposed to ambient air for 30 minutes. Read them in 48 hours and record the results or remediate anything above the acceptable limit

[TylerJones]

test is the dumb to be honest, more than likely not doing anything other than being able to show a certificate to an auditor.

 

Hose line is disconnected at point of use, machine is ran, air is then sprayed across a petri dish for 5 minutes and then sent to the lab. 

[TimG]

I don't test air quality, but I also show the auditor our process and explain the plunger fill during the walkaround. Couple of smart auditors during the plant walk have said 'oh, well you probably don't test your air then? No? You have this explained on a risk assessment?' Sure do!

I've never had to take it any further than that. It might help that the first thing I try to show them is what honey looks like direct from the beekeepers

[jfrey123]

Is there ever a situation where compressed air is used to blow down machines?

 

Lots of people do it.  Should be a major no-no in my book for both the dust sent airborne into your facility as well as an employee safety.  Floating dust/flying food matter creates cross contamination issues; a heavily dusted environment creates an explosion concern (spice and flour industries are well aware of this); employees breathing dust or getting particles in their eyes is an OSHA/employee safety hazard.

 

We use air blower in our auto-packing machine, how to get to know that air from blower had direct contact with food? 

 

What does the air blower do?  Does it puff air into a bag to open it?  Is it just connected to a pneumatic ram or other device to operate the machine itself (like a plunger device to open/close the fill mechanism?

• If it's blowing air directly onto the food or packages, then the air should be tested.
• If it operates a mechanism on the machine, I've defended not testing it.  The machines are subject to post run inspections by maintenance, and if they discover the pneumatic mechanisms were leaking air then they're probably leaking oil too, meaning the machine contaminated food no matter what and the food is held for inspection or discarded.

[MDaleDDF]

 

Lots of people do it.  Should be a major no-no in my book for both the dust sent airborne into your facility as well as an employee safety.  Floating dust/flying food matter creates cross contamination issues; a heavily dusted environment creates an explosion concern (spice and flour industries are well aware of this); employees breathing dust or getting particles in their eyes is an OSHA/employee safety hazard.

 

We're a dry blending facility.   There's dust everywhere, no matter what you do.   I've been in other blending facilities and I'd say we're way cleaner than most, but it's just part of the deal.   We do blow down certain things, but all inside curtained areas, and we try to do as little of it as we can, as well as deep cleaning everything on our weekly SOPs.

But you're correct, airborne dust is a real b!@#$....

[GMO]

I would suggest you look for unexpected uses of air.  For example, foamers.  If you're foaming your machines with detergent then as I understand it, the compressed air will be in contact with your machinery indirectly as it will get incorporated into the foam.  As others have said, operators often end up using air lines for cleaning (personally it's not cleaning, it's firing crap around the room in my opinion but they do).  

[carine]

Has any of ur auditor required to use food grade lubricant oil in  air compressor to prevent cross contamination in food contact area?     

[GMO]

Has any of ur auditor required to use food grade lubricant oil in  air compressor to prevent cross contamination in food contact area?     

 

Yes, and also cold traps and filters to prevent even food grade oil getting to the point of use.  I think that was a retailer auditor though but all fair questions and we had the controls in place.

[fgfreuben]

We test for particulates, oil, and water (PWO) with a rental kit from Trace Analytics, very easy and costs about $500 annually.