5 replies to this topic

[MikeCL98]

Ina  coffee roasting facility that is working toward SQF certification. We use compressed air to operate machinery and nitrogen for packaging coffee. Nitrogen is food contact and testing has been conducted on our nitrogen gas. 

Being that our compressed air is not food contact and is used to actuate machinery only would we still be required to micro sample and particulate sample compressed air in our facility? 

 

I was wanting to hear from other facilities that are GFSI (BRC/SQF) certified that have non-food contact compressed air and how their air and gas testing was being handled. 

 

Thanks!! 

[SQFconsultant]

Non-food contact does not require air testing, write a statement about that machinery, how there is no contact, etc and just have that available at audit time - the statement is not "required" however, just in case there is a question kind of thing. 

[Scotty_SQF]

I would also do a risk assessment showing that there is no food and food contact packaging contact to help further support it.

[CrystalMGrim]

Just from my experience in a meat processing (BRC) plant.  The compressed air did release into a processing room during its function; and so therefore we had to prove the compressed air being used in the area was food grade.

[acarver]

We are coffee roasters, too. We use compressed air, non-food contact and have not had one question from and auditor regarding it.

[MOHAMMED ZAMEERUDDIN]

Highlight the fact that there is no contact with food products and describe the regular maintenance procedures that are followed to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the equipment. Assure to auditors that you are aware of the distinction between food contact and non-food contact machinery.