Food-grade stainless steel in the United Kingdom must meet certain requirements that are laid out in regulation EC1935/2004 to be considered at the food-grade standard. Inspectors can arrive at any time to check that industry compliance requirements are being met in businesses within the production, distribution, and client-facing industries.
In the event that an inspector conducts an evaluation and determines that your business does not meet the required standards, it may result in the need to halt production in order to make necessary system repairs. This can lead to significant losses in both time and finances.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the regulatory framework established by EC1935/2004, outlining the key requirements for food-grade stainless steel compliance and the specific criteria that inspectors will scrutinize during their assessments. By delving into the intricacies of this regulatory regime, readers will gain a deeper understanding of the measures that must be taken to ensure that food-grade stainless steel products meet the highest standards of safety and quality. Ultimately, this knowledge will enable stakeholders to make informed decisions about the selection and use of food-grade stainless steel in their operations.
Regulation EC1935/2004
In October 2004, the European Parliament and the Council adopted Regulation EC1935/2004, which serves as a comprehensive framework for all materials that come into contact with products intended for human consumption. This umbrella regulation is designed to ensure the safety and quality of such materials and to prevent any potential risks to human health. By establishing clear guidelines and standards for the use of these materials, Regulation EC1935/2004 plays a critical role in protecting consumers and promoting public health across the European Union.
The regulation is in place to make sure that products that come into contact with food-grade stainless steel and other components, such as two-way valves and seals, will not be changed in form, taste, or smell and that they will not pose any threat to human health.
You need all products that come into contact with your food-grade stainless steel to retain absolute purity. Anything less will create problems. Hygiene-sensitive products need to be moved with the highest grade of stainless steel approved as being food-grade standard.
It is also important to note that all two-way valves, seals, distributors, and any other device in your production line must also meet these safety standards.
These products go through extensive testing and refining processes before entering the market. Choose products where manufacturers have taken every step possible to ensure the equipment is up to scratch. Appropriate food-grade stainless steel pipes will keep your production line operating and your inspectors happy.
What inspectors will be looking for
Inspectors will check out many things but ultimately, they want to make sure that your food-grade stainless steel is meeting the necessary standards. Inspection failures are time-consuming and sometimes expensive.
To avoid any loss of production and additional expenses, use reputable suppliers to keep your business compliant and therefore, operational. A knowledgeable supplier with experience in the industry will be able to ensure that the products you choose for your business will meet the necessary criteria.
Quick identification of system issues
Even if your business uses a system of food-grade stainless steel pipes that are 100% compliant with the relevant regulations, there is always a risk that components such as flange joints or two-way valves could become damaged, wear and tear could occur or foreign particles may accidentally contaminate the system. You could try your utmost to keep operations up to scratch, but anything can happen.
This is why having a system that can identify issues quickly is vital. Using additional measures such as Detectable Design, which can locate foreign particles that are compromising the system’s hygiene can be a great asset here.
Detectable Design is a range of products including things like U-shaped seals, ring seals, and flat seals, that are used in many operating systems where contamination is unacceptable. These components contain tiny metal particles that can be found using a metal detector.
If any part of one of these seals detaches and enters the product system, it will be located almost immediately and removed from the system, protecting the product, the end consumer, and your business.
Using the highest quality food-grade stainless steel is not up for debate, but you can choose whether or not you use extra measures such as Detectable Design. Whether you have had contamination issues in the past and are interested in investing in additional safety measures, or you’re new to the industry and want to begin operations with the most secure system, sitting down and researching what’s out there is the best place to start.
It is recommended to thoroughly review the regulations and consult with industry experts, suppliers, inspectors, and other businesses to ensure compliance with standards. It may be beneficial to inquire about additional measures implemented by others in the market, such as investments in compliance beyond the use of food-grade stainless steel. By taking these steps, businesses can ensure they are maintaining the necessary standards and compliance within their industry.
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