Know more about the Eleven Rivers Certification Squeme: Management and control of strange matter

Axis I. Process Quality System

1.9. Management and control of strange matter

A protocol must be documented to identify and control strange matter considering the potential sources and measures to be taken, when strange matter is detected in fresh product, in tools or equipment, in packaging materials, or the end product. These may come from external or internal sources and are classified according to the type of hazard they represent:

Physical

1.       Packages of raw materials, plastic or carton embedded to the product.

2.       Rocks, gravel, soil.

3.       Glass from bottles, lenses, lamps, light bulbs.

4.       Personal objects from workers or visitors.

5.       Hair from people or animals.

6.       Splinters from containers or wooden pallets.

7.       Surface coverings such as cracked paint, rust, wall fragments.

8.       Pieces of equipment pieces: nuts, screws, needles and washers.

9.       Supplies from equipment maintenance: tools, pieces of wire, spare parts.

10.     Utensils such as knives, scissors, blades.

11.     Temporary repair supplies: carton, tape, strings to reduce vibrations or hold hoses.

Chemical

1.       Supplies related to phytosanitary management of the agriculture production module.

2.       Cleaning chemicals.

3.       Fertilizers.

4.       Lubricants, oils, fuels.

Biological

1.       Pests.

2.       Traces of fecal matter.

3.       Organic compost.

Cleaning of tools or equipment being in contact with a strange matter must be developed with potable water and a cleaning agent. The latter, capable of removing it from objects and surfaces; this action being reinforced with the application of a disinfectant in the area.

Records must be maintained of the strange matter found and the corrective measures taken for pollution risk prevention and reduction.

Evidence must be shown that the end product is free from any type of strange matter.