In order to understand the HACCP regulations for animal by-products handling procedures, it is necessary to define what is meant by perishable material. Usually, perishable materials are those that have a fixed or a predefined lifetime, after which they’re considered unsuitable for usage. That’s because they have characteristics that make them likely to deteriorate in a short period of time.
Factors affecting perishable goods
Perishable goods require specialized storage to prevent deterioration, spoilage, or impairment, which can occur if they are not properly refrigerated or frozen. These materials are affected by lots of factors, such as temperature, humidity, light and atmospheric pressure, with temperature being the most critical. In fact, the growth of pathogenic microorganisms is a significant contributor to the degradation of perishable goods. Therefore, maintaining low temperatures is the most effective method to control microbial growth, as cold temperatures exert a bacteriostatic effect, slowing or halting microbial proliferation.
The cold chain
Considering low temperatures, it is crucial to introduce the concept of the cold chain. The cold chain refers to a continuous refrigerated system that ensures that products remain at a constant and appropriate temperature from the moment of production until the final consumption or use. Maintaining the cold chain is therefore crucial for the conservation of perishable organic materials and it is essential to preserve the quality and the safety, whether they are food products, pharmaceuticals or other sensitive biological materials. Regarding storage it is fundamental that perishable materials are kept in temperature-controlled environments. The ideal temperature depends on the type of product, but generally lower temperatures slow down the metabolism of microorganisms and inhibit their growth. This reduces the risk of contamination. Cold storage warehouse must be equipped with continuous temperature monitoring systems to ensure that conditions remain stable; any variation could compromise the integrity of the product.
Transportation of perishable materials
Transporting perishable materials represents another critical phase of a cold chain. During transportation it is essential to maintain a constant temperature to avoid the breakage of the cold chain. Refrigerated vehicles must be designed to maintain specific temperatures and should be equipped with real time temperature monitoring tools. Additionally loading and unloading should be carried out quickly to minimise exposure to uncontrolled temperatures. A break in a cold chain can have serious consequences including the loss of nutritional value, organoleptic change and, in the worst-case scenario, the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria that can cause illnesses. Therefore, staff training, the implementation of strict procedures, and the use of advanced technologies for temperature monitoring and management are crucial in maintaining the quality and safety of perishable or organic materials until they are consumed or used.
The perishable materials hygiene
Hygiene in a perishable storage facility is critical, as these products must be safe for human consumption or use. The risk of external contaminants compromising product safety is significant, and it requires key areas to be maintained at exceptionally high standards of cleanliness. This is especially true for warehousing and transport, where attention to hygiene must be maximised to avoid contamination and deterioration. The warehousing, where perishable materials are stored, must be kept clean and sanitised regularly. This includes not only the floor and the work surfaces, but also the walls and ceilings.It is also crucial to take pest control measures, such as sea insects and rodents, which can carry pathogens. Using traps and physical barriers are good strategies to prevent pests from accessing storage areas.
Furthermore, all the materials used for material handling and storage should be cleaned and disinfected regularly. It includes shelves, containers, forklift and any other tool that comes in contact with perishable materials. Operators must follow strict hygiene practices, including the adoption of protective clothing such as gloves, masks and head protections are required by the risk assessment. During transport, in addition to ensuring compliance with the cold chain, it is important that the vehicles used are cleaned and sanitised regularly. It is essential that there are no residuals from previous loads that could contaminate the new loads.
Traceability of perishable materials
Being able to track perishable materials at every stage of a supply chain journey is essential. The article 22 of the 1069/2009 Regulation mandates record-keeping for shipments, transport, or receipt of animal by-products or derived products. The required documents are commercial documents and health certificates with details on origin, destination, quantity and description of the products.
Moreover, it is crucial to implement a traceability system that accurately and continuously monitors transport conditions, especially temperature. Recording temperature data provides objective proof that the cold chain is being maintained throughout transportation. Modern monitoring systems often use temperature sensors to track the environmental conditions of cargo in real time. These sensors are typically integrated with GPS for precise location tracking. Usually, in case of any temperature deviations, the system can trigger real-time alarms, to notify the operators, which allows for swift intervention to address any issues.
