2 replies to this topic

[FSQAManager2025]

Good morning,

I was just going over BRC section 6 for my annual review. Clause 6.4.2 states, "All identified measuring devices". We've been taking this to mean our thermometers up until this point. However, I'm wondering if this is talking about more than just thermometers. Does it include scales because they measure weight? Thermometers that measure temperature? Titration kits that measure ppm? XRay machines that detect metal? We also have machines that use gauges to measure water temperature, would it include those? 

For context, I work in a Beef Slaughter and Fabrication Facility. 

Thank you in advance! 

[GMO]

Do you have the interpretation guide? I think it's really helpful on things like this. For me the previous clause gives you a clue as to what it's after. This talks about measuring devices used to measure product safety, legality and quality.

The interpretation guide for 6.4.1 gives some examples though. The examples it gives are scales, thermometers and pH meters. Obviously these wouldn't be exhaustive. While the interpretation guide for 6.4.2 talks a lot about thermometers, it's because (I think) that thermometer accuracy is particularly pertinent and will vary by application. 

 

So in answer to your question, yes, I'd say that 6.4.2 is applicable to things like scales or the weights used to calibrate and verify scales. Those weights and calibrations need to be traceable to national standards and what the error is. If you're titrating, you'd need to know how you are calibrating the equipment or pH probe, whatever you're using and how that's traceable to national standards and what the error is. 

 

For x-rays. Interesting question. I'm not sure you could do any more than to have the calibration certs for your challenge test pieces. Service reports obviously but that's not really calibration.

 

The water temperature, if that's a food safety or quality reason then why would you not calibrate that in the same way you would any other temperature probe?

[LostInTheWoods]

Oh, boy! Time to get on my soapbox!

 

I have a beef (pun intended) with the way a lot of industry treats calibration. The way it should work (if I were in charge), would be with a risk assessment to determine what you're measuring, and how critical it is to Food Safety and Quality. CCP thermometer, absolutely needs calibrated. Something to measure concentrations of cleaning chemicals, absolutely needs calibrated.

 

But what about a scale? That depends on what you're using it for. If you're weighing your pallets on the way out the door, maybe not a big deal. Weighing ingredients? That depends on your process, and how sensitive FG quality is to precision. If you're weighing to get accurate acidity? That's much more safety critical.

 

Basically, calibration should be a risk based decision on the consequences of an inaccurate measurement. If your truck is over weight (but not near capacity), who really cares? But if your pH is off, it's a huge deal.

 

But.... in the real world, most people don't think like this (and I'm not sure the auditors are even onto this). It seems like we treat something with a calibration sticker as absolutely accurate for the next year. That is most certainly not the case! I've seen advice on these forums such as "I don't have my thermometers recalibrated, it's cheaper just to buy a new one every year." But how do you know that Joe Operator or Jane QC didn't drop it the split second after receiving it. it's been reading high for a year, and nothing that you've made hit it's CCP temperature.

 

That's where verification comes in. We should be verifying (not necessarily to a NIST standard) more frequently based on risk tolerance. If your thermometers are calibrated annually only, a full year's production is at risk.

 

/rant

Edited by LostInTheWoods, 03 September 2026 - 04:22 PM.