Metal Detector Log

Greetings!

Regarding Metal Detectors and CCP, I want to ensure that I am understanding the process.  When it states that metal detector logs should reflect +/-15 minutes, what are inspectors looking for? If I run a test at 10:00 a.m. and stop at 11:00 a.m. and that was the time frame, where does this +/- 15 come in at?  Should I show 10:00 am to 11:15 am????  

You should have a test at the start of the production line, during & at the end. Also depending on the size of the batch incase you need the re pass a batch through to double check it. 

When you state a test at the start of production, during and end are you indicating the actual product or the test samples i.e, Ferrous, Non Ferrous and Stainless steal metal balls?

We run all products being, mid and end, I just want to ensure my metal logs reads correctly.  

What standard are you implementing? SQF, BRC... and where did you find the detail about +/-15 minutes? I haven't seen anything about +/-15 minutes.

I have been checking and recording at the start of each shift (before the employees start back to work after each break) This has never been questioned by a auditor.

I was reading some information that states: during the CCP monitoring record review, testing listed and on the CCP records did not math the frequency in the HACCP plan.  CCP monitoring records stated once per hour +/-15 minutes versus the HACCP plan stating once per hour only.  A plan was incorporated and it stated that CCP monitoring will take place hourly +/-15 min when product is passing through metal detector for more than 1 hour continously.  

I would interpret that as yes, once per hour within 15mins. So if you did the first test @ 10:00 the next would be done between 10:45 & 11:15. However I would not find that alone sufficient. 

I was reading some information that states: during the CCP monitoring record review, testing listed and on the CCP records did not math the frequency in the HACCP plan. CCP monitoring records stated once per hour +/-15 minutes versus the HACCP plan stating once per hour only. A plan was incorporated and it stated that CCP monitoring will take place hourly +/-15 min when product is passing through metal detector for more than 1 hour continously.

Thank you!  all is well, you all are awesome!

Generally the +/- (x amount of time) is put in place because it's a very rare situation when metal detector checks can be done "hourly", or whatever increment the facility has decided on.

As an auditor, I am very skeptical when I see 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300 as the times written down on the check sheets. In the real world, It's highly unlikely that the checks were carried out "exactly" on the hour, every hour.

Marshall

Thank you Mr. Marshall, that makes perfect since.  Thank you!  this site is awesome!!

Regardless what you have set up as frequency of the checks, the important thing to remember is that the "actual" time the check was conducted is recorded. This makes the record "genuine", for many GFSI schemes and helps you out to narrow down the product that might have to be put on hold, or <gasp> recalled or withdrawn if necessary.

This fact has to be drilled into the training for those that will be recording CCP monitoring checks.

Marshall

Mr. Marshall, 

I agree it comes down to good training and honesty.  Thank you for breaking this down in layman terms.  I understand now.  

Have a Blessed day