Good morning all!
Ok, this question has come up a few times under audit - we create food flavorings (liquid, powder and extract). Our only CCP in the building is our sifters in the powder process. We have 2 sizes that we use - 22 mesh and 48 mesh. The reasoning behind these is 1) they are very small....they will catch anything that is larger than the FDA allowable particle size and 2) we have to use sizes that the powders will go through. The size used during the run is dependant on the product we are running. If a product is more dense, it goes through the 22 mesh (larger holes). If it's lighter, more bouyant, it goes through the 48 mesh.
Now, here's the question - I have searched everywhere I can think of for scientific reasoning for the use of these screen sizes. I have looked in 21 CFR....I have looked on the FDA website, I have looked everywhere. Is there anywhere that states that you HAVE to use a specific screen size in your process?
Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.
Thank you in advance!