Environmental analysis gets a permanent place in quality control

In recent years, various outbreaks of food infections – such as salmonella and listeria – have exposed the vulnerability of even well-established food companies. In response, the FAVV is tightening its regulations. One of the most important changes is that, from March onwards, food companies will be required to structurally integrate environmental analyses into their self-monitoring systems. Normec Foodcare supports companies in this transition with a practical, tailor-made approach.

From limited application to structural obligation

Although environmental analyses have been mandatory in sectors such as slaughterhouses and cutting plants for some time, the majority of food companies have so far only carried out limited analyses for pathogenic microorganisms. This often amounted to a small number of swabs per month, targeting known risk areas such as evaporators, coolers and drainage channels – and usually only for salmonella and listeria. The new regulations require a much more structured approach, which also includes zones without direct contact with food.

Risk analysis as a basis

At the heart of the new module is a risk analysis that provides insight into which pathogens may be present in the production environment. Each company must be able to substantiate where high- and low-risk zones are located based on process knowledge. This analysis forms the basis for a well-founded distribution of sampling, which must also include regular analyses in the so-called “clean” zones. In addition, measurements must be taken both before and after cleaning, including in hard-to-reach places such as the inside of machines.