HACCP certified Food Zone Primary (FZP) Tork Wipers
While there can be vast differences between the regulations, expectations and auditing of food manufacturers and producers across the country, one thing remains constant – risk management is a key to success.
The requirements for certified food safety management systems are based on the principles of HACCP. HACCP International operates an assessment and certification scheme for equipment, materials and services used within the food industry that make a contribution to food safety – right down to wipers and cloths. Not all businesses are aware they can reduce their risk by using HACCP certified products.
But there is even more to the story, with HACCP International working to make certification more transparent and to help food businesses identify appropriate use of products with Food Zone classifications. Karen Constable, Technical Manager of HACCP International explains, “Evaluation of products and services is strictly confined to characteristics which could have an impact on food safety or on the proper operation of a HACCP based food safety programme.” In open-loop processing such as in the meat, seafood and poultry industry, this can be critical.
Certified products are classified as suitable for use in various applications or areas of a food facility. FZP (Food Zone Primary) items are suitable for use in the food zone and are suitable for contact with food, including wiping down meat and seafood. FZS (Food Zone Secondary) items are suitable for touching food contact surfaces but are not expected to touch food during normal conditions of use.
Wipers and cloths that are marketed with claims that they are suitable for direct contact with food must be verified to be eligible for certification. If they are found to be suitable for certification they will be classified FZP. Wipers that are marketed for use as aids to cleaning and for use on food contact surfaces are certified with the food zone classification FZS.
Global leading brand Tork Professional Hygiene recognises the importance of HACCP certification and has a large number of wipers, hand towels, soaps and dispensers that have passed the strict certification criteria. When a business buys a Tork product with HACCP certification it can be confident and assured that it has been assessed as safe for use in the food industry.
“Tork is the only brand with wipers and cloths that are HACCP certified FZP. It’s concerning that some open-loop food processing businesses are using uncertified products in direct contact with food. There is no knowing whether chemicals are leaching out or not,” explains Rochelle Lake, Tork Professional Hygiene. “HACCP FZP and ISEGA certification on Tork wipers and cloths make them a safer choice for the meat industry.”
HACCP FZP certified products include Tork Basic Papers, Wiping Papers and Tork Heavy Duty Cleaning Cloths, while Tork wiper dispensers are also HACCP certified – Splash or Spill Zone (SSZ).
“Verification of suitability for direct food contact can be done in a number of ways. Commonly, HACCP International will review and verify laboratory reports of testing for compliance to EU10/2011 and the requirements of EC1935/2004. The tests are used to check that the wiper (for example) does not let dangerous chemicals leach or migrate into food during contact,” says Constable.
If your business currently uses wipers, cloths or paper towels to wipe down meat and fish, you should be checking if it’s HACCP FZP. If it’s in the food zone, being food contact safe simply reduces the risk.
For a free sample pack visit www.tork.co.nz/FZP
About HACCP
HACCP is an internationally recognised method of identifying and managing risk, and has been for more than 50 years. Originally developed by researchers and suppliers to the NASA space programme, it has become the basis for food producers’ quality management and food safety programmes all over the world.
About HACCP International
HACCP International is an organisation dedicated to food safety which operates the product certification scheme Food Safe Equipment Materials and Services. HACCP International is accredited by JASANZ in the field of Product Certification.
For more information visit http://www.haccp-international.com/
About Tork
Tork is the leading global brand in workplace hygiene. From paper towels in hospital washrooms to napkin dispensers in restaurant dining rooms, Tork delivers a great experience for the user and a convenient experience for the buyer. Tork is dedicated to serving your needs in a sustainable way – saving you time, money and effort, so you can focus on what matters most to your business. SCA licence the Tork trademark exclusively to Asaleo Care for use in Australasia.
To keep up with the latest Tork news and innovations, please visit www.tork.co.nz
About Asaleo Care (ASX:AHY)
Asaleo Care is a leading hygiene and personal care company that manufactures, markets, distributes and sells Personal Care and Tissue products used every day in households and businesses across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and a number of other countries in the Pacific. Asaleo Care’s portfolio of market-leading brands includes Sorbent, Handee, Purex, Libra, TENA, Tork, Treasures, Deeko, Viti and Orchid.
With 11 manufacturing and distribution facilities throughout Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, Asaleo Care employs about 1000 people who work together to make it easier for hygiene, health and wellbeing to be part of everyday life.
For more information visit www.asaleocare.com
