The new guidelines supersede BCAS’s Food Grade Code of Practice, which was issued in 2007. One of the major changes to the document is the increased focus on compressed air as part of a pre-requisite programme (PRP), rather than within the hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) activity. A PRP addresses basic operational conditions, such as good hygiene practices, and is considered essential in establishing a sound foundation prior to the application of HACCP or other food safety management systems.
As a utility, compressed air is widely used in the food and beverage industry for a diverse range of operations, from powering pneumatics, process and automation equipment, to moving, mixing and blending ingredients.
However, its use, especially in areas where it can come into direct or indirect contact with production equipment, ingredients, finished products or packaging, should be carefully controlled, to prevent the risk of contamination.
Commenting on the launch, Greg Bordiak, Technical Officer at BCAS said: “Compressed air remains an essential part of many aspects of food and beverage production. We began the process of developing the best practice guide back in 2011 and have already received great interest from the UK and abroad.
BRC Global Standards is the world’s biggest provider of safety and quality Standards Programmes for food manufacture, packaging, storage and distribution. BRC’s Global Standards are generated with the help of technical specialists, retailers, manufacturers and certification bodies from around the world, so everything is based on practicality, rigour and clarity.
As well as the Standards, as part of the programme, BRC Global Standards offer comprehensive support to help new and established businesses to achieve their quality and safety aims.