6 replies to this topic

[Agrumeambu]

Hello !

 

We have a new construction going and in the receiving area, there would be space for a racking to store products. 

 

I wasn't comfortable into having food contact packaging, but the production manager would like to store extra boxes that would not be in use and would be brought into a different storage area before being used in the packaging area (Separate from production). Of course, there would be a documented inspection before moving the pallet into the storage area.

 

Would that be compliant with SQF ? I am not seeing anything that says it wouldn't, but I have reserves into storing anything in the receiving area.

 

Also, in that area, there wouldn't be a loading / unloading dock, but a floor door with a platform that goes up and down. I am trying to find a way where we could minimize risks to the product to be compliant with 11.6.5 but I am coming up empty.

 

Thank you for your help !

 

 

[KellyQA]

To start, I would ensure that area is included on the master sanitation schedule and on other inspections, such as a GMP facility inspection or pre-operational inspections. Ensure that the product is stored in closed containers to prevent contamination. Inspections prior to release, like you said. 

 

I am having a hard time imaging a what the floor door with platform looks like. Forgive me, otherwise I may have more to add. 

[Tony-C]

Hi Agrumeambu,

 

The SQF Food Safety Code requires ‘safe, hygienic receipt and storage of raw materials, ingredients, packaging, equipment, and chemicals’. And also: ‘Controls shall be in place to ensure all ingredients, raw materials, processing aids, and packaging are received and stored properly to prevent cross-contamination risks’.

 

I don’t see a major problem if adequate door control and proofing is in place. I would be looking to assess the area for risks and make sure appropriate controls are in place including adequate protection (such as shrink wrap which is removed before going to the packaging area).

 

Other things to consider include adequate segregation, cleaning schedules, pest management/prevention, access for cleaning/inspection.

 

Kind regards,

 

Tony

 

[Agrumeambu]

Hi Kelly ! 

 

Thank you for your reply ! Basically, a part of the floor can come up to reach the heigh of a truck so you can unload the pallets with a lift.  

 

Hi Tony, 

 

Thank you also ! 

 

Would you have an idea for the proofing part ? Since trucs won't be fully enclosing the door when they are unloaded / loaded, I'm not sure what could be used to proof the area. Could a air curtain be enough ? 

 

Thank you !

[Scampi]

You really should look at bumpers around the doors

 

since you're at the construction phase, now is the time to get it right

 

I can tell you right now, with the temperatures we've been having, my receiving areas still SIGNIFICANTLY colder than I would like as even with 3 sided bumpers, there are still holes around my dock plates  BRRRRRRR

 

The air curtains work great for pests and dust, but not if you need to maintain a temperature

[Tony-C]

Hi Tony, 

 

Thank you also ! 

 

Would you have an idea for the proofing part ? Since trucs won't be fully enclosing the door when they are unloaded / loaded, I'm not sure what could be used to proof the area. Could a air curtain be enough ? 

 

Thank you !

 

Hi Agrumeambu,

 

As you are in the construction phase it would seem that this is your chance to get the design of the unloading bay doors right. See How to Design a Loading Bay, it will give you some idea of best practice.

https://stertil-dock..._2017-12-11.pdf

 

I believe that Scampi means Dock shelters:

Dock shelters protect products by keeping out dust and insects, which is why the food sector in particular has made the use of shelters obligatory.

 

Dock bumpers: When a loaded truck backs up into the bay, it can impact heavily on the bay angle. Even docks of reinforced concrete can be damaged quickly. Trucks and loads are also likely to suffer damage. However, by installing dock bumpers, the impact force, and resultant damage, will be reduced tremendously.

 

Kind regards,

 

Tony

[GMO]

Lorries / trucks vary a lot around the world I know but I've found consistently in the UK that packaging is delivered on curtain sided vehicles (food most often on solid sided ones).

The curtain siders can't back up to a dock leveller and be offloaded and normally have to be offloaded by a forklift and transferred into your area.

 

The reason I put this is it's worth checking with your team who currently offload items and your suppliers what kind of vehicles they deliver their items in and whether that's likely to change. If it is a curtain sider, which I hate personally but it's common, then a better solution might be to have some kind of airlock.

 

That all said, if you keep any food contact items "double bagged" which is the norm over here (i.e. there are two packaging layers between the packaging and the environment) and you have a rapid action door which you only open for deliveries and you have an air curtain, the risks to food safety will be low. Of course we all know that in docks like that the door will get left open so there's that compliance side BUT as Scampi points out, temperature control will be hard. You might be thinking "why is that a concern?" but card and film stored too cold or too hot you will find issues with how well it runs on your machines. Again worth asking your suppliers and your packaging machine manufacturers about that as that might be an easier way to say "no" to your senior manager and having the data from them on why.

 

"Did you know that if the packaging gets to <10oC it will cause frequent line stoppages? I think we will have to have heating in this area if we need to store packaging in there and imagine the cost with the door opening all the time?"