Greetings,
We are starting up a grain processing facility, and plan on using a gyratory sifter/screener that uses screens that have wooden frames (as they have for decades, and still are used in many grain and flour facilities).
We're trying to wade through all of the regulatory information out there to determine if this is going to be deemed acceptable by the FDA under FSMA (for Animal Feed; however, we may transition to Food at some point in the future). We are not planning to pursue any other third-party certification in the immediate future, but may seek SQF certification if/when we transition to food-grade production.
The screen frames are made of hard maple, but they are not painted or coated in any way.
So, the main points here are:
1. Is it acceptable to have wood in a food contact machine? Is that going to change as FSMA develops?
2. If it's conditionally OK, what do we need to do to make it acceptable? We're wondering if maybe painting them with food-grade urethane or something like that would be acceptable?
Thank you in advance for your feedback and help!
Brian