What are the food safety standards?
What are the food safety standards?
The importance of the food safety standards for cleaning agents in the food industry is increasing. People want to know whether a cleaning product is ‘food grade’ or ‘food compliant’ and whether certificates are available.
What do these terms actually mean and is special certification required before a detergent can be used in the food industry?
The standards
Food Grade, Food Safe, and FDA Compliant are crucial terms in the world of food processing, ensuring the quality and safety of food products. We will explain the difference between these terms and discuss how a company like BOONS FIS can help food processing companies comply with these standards.
In the food industry, every food-safe material is food-grade, but not every food-grade material is food-safe.
What does every term mean?
1. Food Grade
‘Food Grade’ materials, products, and equipment are safe for food contact and meet strict standards to prevent contamination.
For example, food-grade plastics are free of harmful chemicals like BPA, and metals must be corrosion-resistant and non-reactive with food.
All of these criteria are designed to ensure that food that comes into contact with these materials is safe for consumption.
2. Food Safe
‘Food Safe’ goes beyond food grade, ensuring that products, materials, or processes have no harmful effects on food or consumer health.
Examples include packaging that prevents chemical migration or utensils like cutting boards that keep food uncontaminated.
In short, with the ‘Food Safe’ standard a product or process meets the requirements and standards set to ensure food safety throughout the production, packaging and consumption process.
3. FDA Compliant
‘FDA Compliant’ means a product or process meets U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations, covering manufacturing, labeling, and safety standards.
For food companies, this ensures safe production, packaging, and distribution, boosting consumer confidence. This contributes to consumer confidence in the safety and quality of their products.
EU Food guidelines for detergents and disinfectants
Cleaning agents and disinfectants for the food industry in the EU must comply with specific laws and regulations to ensure they are safe and effective, without endangering food safety.
1. Biocidal Products Regulation (EU) 528/2012
This guideline regulates the marketing and use of biocidal products, including disinfectants used in the food industry. The proces of all biocidal products in the EU needs tob e approved, before entering the market.
This process ensures that the active substances in biocides are safe for people and the environment, while remaining highly effective.
2. General Food Safety Regulation (EC) No 178/2002
This policy establishes the general principles and requirements of food law, and determines procedures in the area of food safety.
Although not directly aimed at cleaning agents, it affects how all substances in food processing must be managed, to prevent cross-contamination and ensure food safety.
3. Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 on food hygiene
This regulation requires that food contact surfaces must be adequately cleaned and sometimes disinfected.
Although it does not prescribe specific cleaning products or disinfection protocols, the products must be effective and safe, without contaminating the food.
4. Chemicals regulation REACH regulation (EU) 1907/2006
REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) improves the protection of human health and the environment from the risks that can be caused by chemicals.
5. CLP regulation (EU) 1272/2008
CLP protocol regulates the classification, labelling and packaging of chemical substances and mixtures.
Cleaning and disinfecting agents must comply with these regulations, so that users are informed about content and safe use.
6. Directives for good production practices (GMP)
GMP guidelines may apply to manufacturers who produce detergents and disinfectants for use in the food industry, especially in environments where the products are manufactured that come in direct contact with food.
7. European Detergents Regulation (EU) 648/2004
This guideline regulates the safety and environmental friendliness of detergents. It sets clear rules for the composition, biodegradability, and labelling of detergents.
Choosing cleaning detergents and disinfectants suppliers who meet these standards and who prove that their products are effective and safe for use in food processing environments is crucial. This helps maintaining high hygiene standards and legal conformity, and enhances the food safety and quality essential to consumer confidence.
What can BOONS FIS do for food processing companies?
BOONS FIS’ disinfection and foam installations and personal hygiene equipment form the backbone of hygienic standards in the food processing sector. In a world where food safety is essential, BOONS FIS offers both solutions and peace of mind.
Thanks to BOONS FIS’ expertise and advanced technologies, we support the food processing sector meeting strict food safety standards. Whether disinfecting production lines, minimising microbial contamination or preventing cross-contamination, BOONS FIS provides tailor-made solutions that maintain the highest levels of hygiene.
By investing in the cleaning installation ‘by BOONS FIS’ and our hygiene equipment, companies can meet current and future food safety standards and exceed consumer expectations. Our installations are means of compliance, a source of competitive advantage and reputation protection.
In a world where food safety has become a non-negotiable priority, BOONS FIS is the partner companies can rely on to ensure their operational integrity and maintain consumer confidence.
See it for yourself in our Experience Room.
BOONS FIS is known for its expertise in providing high-quality technology solutions for the food processing industry. Contact us today and make an appointment to visit our ‘Experience Room’.