Storage in aseptic tanks, CCP?
Hi all,
This is first intervention here, :) I would appreciate your advice.
I work in a juice company and I'm having some doubts about our aseptic storage of juice. Our CPP's are filtration and pasteurization, once the juice has been filtrated and pasteurized, it is stored in big aseptic tanks waiting to be loaded in tanktrucks or filled in drums. Despite we control the temperature of the store room and the pressure of the tanks I do not know if we should consider the storage as a ccp. What do you think?
Many many thanks :)
Hi all,
This is first intervention here, :) I would appreciate your advice.
I work in a juice company and I'm having some doubts about our aseptic storage of juice. Our CPP's are filtration and pasteurization, once the juice has been filtrated and pasteurized, it is stored in big aseptic tanks waiting to be loaded in tanktrucks or filled in drums. Despite we control the temperature of the store room and the pressure of the tanks I do not know if we should consider the storage as a ccp. What do you think?
Many many thanks :)
hi Patopod,
What is the hazard which is giving you concern ? Inadequately clean tanks ? Inappropriate storage temperature ? Inefficient temperature control ?
hi Patopod,
What is the hazard which is giving you concern ? Inadequately clean tanks ? Inappropriate storage temperature ? Inefficient temperature control ?
Thanks for replying,
The hazard is micro contamination.
Thanks for replying,
The hazard is micro contamination.
Hi Patopod,
It might relate to the FS Standard involved (if any) but microcontamination in the tank would typically be eliminated by (verified) PRP Cleaning programs so there would be no significant hazard.
We use the same type of tanks and do not consider them a step in the process where a significant hazard may incur. You have two pre-requisite programs in place:
1. Temperature control (which really isn't a concern for a micro hazard since the product is aseptic)
2. Pressure control (maintaining the positive pressure in the tank prevents any micro contamination from the environment).
Furthermore, I'm assuming you sterilize the tanks prior to using them? This is another pre-requisite program you have in place to control the potential hazard.
My opinion:
(1) CCP is a control point where contamination is removed or reduced to acceptable level.
(2) The storage tanks do not remove or reduce contamination.
(3) The storage tanks may become contaminated so a procedure must be in place to keep them clean (PRP as mentioned above).