June 2006

Food Industry Code of Practice launched

The British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) and the British Retail Consortium (BRC) have launched a Food Industry Code of Practice for the supply of compressed air this month.

The EU introduced a regulation to cover the hygiene of foodstuffs in the "farm to table" process in 2004. This regulation '852/2004' established the hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) principles to the food supply chain. It also highlighted the need for best practice standards in food chain related situations. However, the regulation did not set specific targets or limits that should be employed.

The BCAS/BRC Food Industry Code of Practice has been developed to clarify and regulate the use of compressed air that is used in any part of the "farm to table" production process and assist food producers in the decision process related to HACCP.

The new Code of Practice not only considers compressed air that is used in direct contact with food production but also compressed air that does not come into contact with the food product but forms part of the production process.

DO NOT BE TOO ALARMED!

The Code of Practice clearly identifies that both oil lubricated as well as oil free compressors are acceptable methods of generating compressed air for use in the Food Industry.

The key points are:

• Food manufacturer's must complete a "Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point" (HACCP) process as a risk assessment to determine whether or not the compressed air comes into contact with the food.
• Class 1 quality air is a prerequisite. When the compressed air is generated by oil-lubricated compressors the lubricant MUST be food grade.
• Air purity test should be carried out twice a year to confirm the air quality.
• Where the air comes into contact with food it must be a -40oC dewpoint. That means a suitably sized desiccant dryer must be fitted into the system.
• All compressed air equipment should be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.
• There must be a planned preventative maintenance programme in place that also meets the requirements of the Pressure Systems regulations and hygiene requirements.
• Records of maintenance, air quality tests and so forth, should be documented and recorded.

C&L Industrial is the exclusive authorised distributor in the Republic of Ireland for BOGE compressors. BOGE manufactures a comprehensive range of oil lubricated and oil free screw compressors suitable for operation in the food industry. C&L also offers a food grade lubricant suitable for those end users operating oil lubricated compressors.

Contact C&L if you require any further information or a site visit to assist you with the HACCP process for your compressed air system. Telephone 091 773422.

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