Three filtersystems in the production line - is it still a CCP?

Chac-
For my own information, are you actually filtering concentrate? I assume you're filtering juice prior to the concentration step? I can't imagine filtering such a viscous product.

Hi Jon,

no, we don't filter the concentrate as you're already figured out, it would be a bit difficult for filtration. When we finished the filtrationprocess we go into concentrating the sugar between 69°Brix and 73°Brix (depends on the product).


In our company everyone has another opinoin about this topic. The new conclusion is that only the first filter is a CCP and we're going to use the third one only for clarification. that means if there is a damage within the second filter the charge will be blocked though the next step would be another filter.

Chac:

I'm glad you've come to a conclusion on the matter. Redundant filtration is definitely nice, it gives you options. I have seen redundant filtration used and the entire process managed as a CCP; I've also seen a single filter managed as a CCP. As long as the process in managed properly, either way should be fine in my mind.

I think it's kind of interesting that in your case the third filter is for "clarification." In my experience, you use a rough filter to clarify first, and a smaller-pored filter to remove microbial contamination. However as you indicated before, it is apparently removing very small particles. Interesting.

Thanks for sharing.

Jon

Hi Jon,

no, we don't filter the concentrate as you're already figured out, it would be a bit difficult for filtration. When we finished the filtrationprocess we go into concentrating the sugar between 69°Brix and 73°Brix (depends on the product).


In our company everyone has another opinoin about this topic. The new conclusion is that only the first filter is a CCP and we're going to use the third one only for clarification. that means if there is a damage within the second filter the charge will be blocked though the next step would be another filter.

Dear Chac,

To add a little more detail, here are a few comments I found on the use of decision trees -

Important considerations when using the decision tree:-

•The decision tree is used after the hazard analysis.
•The decision tree then is used at the steps where a hazard that must be addressed in the
HACCP plan has been identified.
•A subsequent step in the process may be more effective for controlling a hazard and may
be the preferred CCP.
•More than one step in a process may be involved in controlling a hazard.
•More than one hazard may be controlled by a specific control measure

Points 1- 4 may be particularly relevant in this case.

I also enclose another decision tree, very slightly modified from the usual Codex one but equally acceptable IMO. I think this enables you to prove that the ccp is the last filter assuming the kind of operational circumstances I mentioned previously. I’m sure it’s possible to get any decision you wish but it has to make sense when compared to the operational data. For example, an initial query should be as to the relative amounts and sizes of the material normally found on the respective sieves. And perhaps if it’s hard or soft.

 CCP_decision_tree.doc   52.5KB   21 downloads

Rgds / Charles.C

Thanks for your help but I can't do anymore about this as I'm just the small trainee I can only made some suggestion but the decision made others

In my company we've discussed this topic a lot and they made a final decision in the way I discribed a few post ago.

Dear Chac,

No problem at all. I predict yr next audit will be interesting, especially the validation aspect .

Best Rgds / Charles.C

I would think the last filter in the line would be a CCP.