Hi All,
I deduce from the OP that this BRC thread relates to a (BRC categorized) High Risk Packaging product.
(BRC has an interestingly less rigorous handwashing requirement for Low Risk Packaging).
I assume that the clauses in BRC Packaging Standard as related to handwashing are conceptually based on -
Prerequisite programmes The basic environmental and operational conditions in a packaging business that are necessary for the production of safe and hygienic packaging materials. These control generic hazards, covering good manufacturing and good hygienic practice as detailed in Part II, sections 4–6
I note that the BRC Food Packaging Standard does not mention the words sanitize/sanitizer/sanitiser/swab.
I'm not a Packaging person but offhand i would have thought that for both H/L Risk packaging any significant, environmental, food-related microbiological hazards in a typical food packaging environment are minimal. ?
(Non-safety micro hazards such as APC might be a different matter, eg with respect to a Packaging micro. specification, but I have seen little, if any, data in this forum to suggest this is a common problem ?)
I also get the impression from threads on this forum that most Packaging Production plants, both Low and High, do not routinely carry out surface swabbing procedures ?.
It does not apear to me that BRC expect to see the routine use of Sanitizers in a High Risk Packaging Plant. Although a particular Plant may justify it perhaps from their Risk asssessment.
(Doesn't necessarily mean a BRC auditor will dislike it of course, and not to forget potential Customers)
i wonder if any Packaging Plants which do include Sanitizers have justified their usage ?