Control of wood in product areas

Contents

• The standards
• The requirements
• BRCGS Food Safety Issue 9

The standards

This article is written to meet the following sections of the Standards:

The requirements

Wooden processing equipment

Wood shouldn’t be used in open product areas. Where the use of wood can’t be avoided because it’s an inherent part of the process, a procedure must be in place to:

• Ensure the use of wood is covered by the Product Safety Plan.
• Ensure that it’s maintained to minimise the potential for contamination.
• Carry out condition-based checks for damage and cleanliness, to reduce the likelihood of contamination.
• Ensure that the frequency of condition-based checks are carried out, based on risk (this means a risk assessment must be documented).

Wooden pallets

Wooden pallets:

• That are used for product or materials must not contaminate the product.
• Must not be used in open product areas.
• Must be sound, dry, clean and free from damage and contamination.
• If required by the customer, must be checked for condition.
• Must be discarded if they are of poor condition.

Wooden facilities and equipment

Wooden equipment in product areas, including desks, chairs tables, etc., shall be properly sealed to enable effective cleaning. This equipment must be kept clean, in good condition and free from splinter or other sources of physical contamination.

Food contact wood

Where food contact materials are made from wood, and it can’t be removed, as it’s part of the production process (e.g. a traditional method required for authenticity), it must be controlled to prevent contamination. This must include:

• Condition-based checks.
• Consideration of chemical migration which may cause chemical contamination or taints.
• Cleaning controls to prevent microbiological contamination.
• Adherence to relevant legislation (Regulation EC 1935/2004).

BRCGS Food Safety Issue 9

4.6.2      There has been an addition to the interpretation of this clause, which states what must be considered during the risk assessment of food contact materials.

4.9.5.1   This clause has been expanded to state that food contact wood must be fit for purpose and controlled so that it doesn’t pose a risk of contamination. The frequency of the checks must be based on risk. Also, an addition to the interpretation for wood pallet controls has been made to clarify that they shouldn’t be allowed in open product areas and that food contact wood, must not pose a risk of contamination.