Compressed Air Testing: Is Annual Microbiological Analysis Necessary or Can the Requirement Be Removed?

Hi all,

Our current document, under processes for prevention of contamination, says compressed air is analyzed annually for microbiological purity. Since I have started, there is no such thing. Is there a way of doing it? Is it even necessary? Can I just revise the doc?

We are a low risk manufacturer. Compressed air is used in cooling tunnels AFAI. 

Thanks! 

In the past, I have tested compressed air that comes into contact with food or food contact surfaces for Total Plate Count and Yeasts and Mold.

That's what I thought - setting air plates for 30 mins. But our doc specifically says salmonella and listeria. It is strange. I've never heard of such thing.

Could this be an error made by previous QA? 

What kind of low risk are you?  Is there a risk of aerosols?

They make a compressed air unit tester, CAMTU, (https://www.webersci...lALkKsxoBlWiLLG) that your facility can buy to hook up to the compressed air system. Labs should also have one to rent/borrow, but you may have to wait on availability for that. 

I think it may have just been the wording from the previous QA. I think they just meant that they test it for the absence of contaminants that could cause a food safety hazard. If you feel that it needs to be revised, then revise as necessary. 

That's what I thought - setting air plates for 30 mins. But our doc specifically says salmonella and listeria. It is strange. I've never heard of such thing.

 

Could this be an error made by previous QA? 

No risk of aerosols. We are low low.