Chapter 5 - Sampling and Testing

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Annex C: Listeria In-depth audit form

In-Depth Review
(Revision July 2002)

Establishment Name:

Est No:

Establishment Address:

Date(s):

CFIA Review Team Lead:

Members:

Establishment Representatives:

General Overview of the Establishment

Categories of activities in the establishment: (slaughter, boning cutting, further processing - cooking, dehydrating, fermenting etc.)

Types of ready-to-eat products produced:

Number of Employees:

Number of Shifts:

Situation review: Chronology leading to In depth review: include CFIA Listeria sampling results for previous and current year.

Checklist of company programs available for in depth review. Provide comment if not available. Establishments not operating under FSEP must still have prerequisite programs in place as per MOP requirements.

( ) Blueprints

( ) Written prerequisite program as per FSEP guidelines (six programs) or MOP

( ) HACCP plans (indicate # and existence of forms 1 - 10) or records of critical operations such as smokehouse charts etc.

( ) Company Sanitation test results (TPC and/or Listeria)

RTE areas: (brine chillers, packaging rooms, smokehouse areas, finished product coolers)

Non contact

Contact

NRTE areas:

Non contact

Contact

( ) Raw Ingredient test results (microbiological)

( ) Finished product test results (microbiological, aw, pH)

( ) Other test results (packaging materials, casings, spices, coatings)

Additional Comments:

Blueprints and Process Flow Diagrams

Tour the establishment: Compare blueprints and plant schematic against actual plant layout and operational use. Indicate if the statements are complete (accurate), if not provide additional information. If establishment is not operating under FSEP assess against MOP requirements.

( ) The blueprints are up to date and reflect actual plant operations.

( ) The plant schematics from the HACCP plans are accurate and reflect actual plant operations. They delineate raw product handling areas and RTE handling areas.

( ) From observations made during the plant tour, indicate areas of potential biological cross contamination between raw and ready to eat products or employee flow.

( ) Potential sites of biological cross contamination identified on company plant schematics have been listed on HACCP Form 5. (Note the area of the company program where the hazard is controlled).

( ) Form 5 controls (previously listed) are satisfactory. (review the specific control measures - are they documented, monitored and effective). For plants not operating under a HACCP system, the company has appropriate documented procedures or training to control hazards.

Summary and Comments on Blueprint and Plant Schematic: indicate any unaddressed cross contamination hazards in the plant or comment on adequacy of control measures.

HACCP plans and/or production and process review
( ) Review HACCP plans (Focus on HACCP plans for RTE products) and compare with records to determine if formulation and method of preparation is accurate, and process controls (lethality processes, cooling schedules or other critical control points) have been achieved.

( ) Review Form 5 for controls associated with handling of RTE following the lethality process. Are the controls documented and satisfactory?

Prerequisite Programs

Review the establishment's written prerequisite programs. The following sub elements are for reference only. The FSEP manual or MOP should be consulted for complete details. Sub elements may or may not be reviewed as deemed necessary by the review team. Focus attention mainly on ready to eat product areas. Compare observations made on site with recent company prerequisite records. Determine if deficiencies found during company monitoring activities have been appropriately corrected. Determine if records reflect actual conditions observed during operation. Provide comments as necessary. (Key points are intended for consideration and are not necessarily MOP requirements).

Premises

Building Exterior (A 1.1)
( ) There is a program to assess suitability of the building exterior.

Building Interior (A 2.1)
( ) There is a scheduled program to assess suitability of the building interior (construction and maintenance).

Key points:
checkbox RTE areas are in good condition (no damage, smooth surfaces, sealed, dry)

checkbox no pooling water in floor depressions, cracks or crevices

checkbox drains covers and openings in good condition, avoid trough or trench drains in RTE areas

checkbox floors kept dry during operations in RTE areas

checkbox pipes and insulation are dry and in good repair, covered with impervious, sanitizable materials

checkbox doors and windows are tight fitting

checkbox condensate drain lines from refrigeration units are connected to drains

Lighting (A 2.2)
( ) There is a scheduled program to assess suitability of the lighting (maintenance and adequacy)

Key points:
checkbox lighting meets program requirements for intensity

checkbox light shades and insides are cleaned on a scheduled basis

checkbox lights shades are dry, clean and in good condition

Ventilation (A 2.3)
( ) There is a scheduled program to assess suitability of the ventilation.

Key points:

checkbox air filters/fans clean

checkbox intake air is filtered

checkbox positive air pressure in RTE areas

checkbox free of condensation

checkbox employees are trained in procedures to prevent contamination of product or equipment when removing condensation.

checkbox tools for condensation removal are marked and stored appropriately (away from equipment/product) not in contact with floor or other tools used for floors, sanitized frequently

Waste Disposal and Inedible areas (A 2.4 and A 2.5)
( ) There is a scheduled program to assess suitability of waste / inedible containers, waste disposal areas and cleaning of waste containers.

Key points:
checkbox no cross contamination between garbage / inedible container cleaning / storage / flow and edible containers or RTE areas.

checkbox inedible / garbage containers are appropriately marked

checkbox RTE employees do not handle inedible or garbage containers

Employee Facilities (A 3.1)
( ) There is a scheduled program to assess suitability of employee areas (maintained, sanitary, proper supplies, separate areas for hanging acronym RTE and NRTE garments etc.). Records show deficiencies and reflect actual conditions observed during the tour / establishment inspection.

Key points:

checkbox employees remove protective clothing before entering employee areas and store separately

checkbox RTE and NRTE garments are colour coded or otherwise identified to prevent misuse

Equipment cleaning and sanitizing facilites (A 3.2)
( ) There is a scheduled program to assess suitability of equipment cleaning facilities and cleaning equipment (designed for intended use, properly maintained (sanitized), prevent contamination).

Key points:

checkbox separate washup areas are provided for raw and RTE equipment

checkbox clean RTE equipment does not cross raw meat areas of the plant

checkbox equipment wash area must be cleaned and sanitized daily

Water/Steam/Ice Quality and Supply (A 4.1)
( ) There is a scheduled program to assess water quality, water equipment and use (back flow devices, filters, boiler water chemicals, no cross contamination, adequate temperature, pressure, volume)

Key points:

checkbox water and ice tested at required frequency and meets MOP requirements

checkbox water is tested from random sites throughout the production area

checkbox ice machines cleaned on scheduled basis

checkbox ice from machines in NRTE areas not used in RTE areas

Additional Comments - Note any conditions or procedures relating to the previous subelements which may contribute to the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the plant environment.

Transportation and Storage

Food Carriers (B 1.1)
( ) There is a program to assess the suitability of transport containers (design, maintenance) and proper unloading procedures.

Temperature Control (B 1.2)
( ) There is a program to assess the suitability of incoming and finished product transport temperatures.

Incoming Material Storage (B 2.1)
( ) There is a program to assess the suitability of storage conditions (temperature, handling) of incoming ingredients and packaging materials.

Key points:

checkbox ingredients and packaging materials protected from contamination (dust, insects etc.)

checkbox raw and finished products are not stored in same area unless completely packaged and physically segregated

checkbox segregation of raw and exposed finished products is maintained in all areas

checkbox meats stored at 4°C or less

checkbox meat products do not remain in unrefrigerated areas

checkbox products prevented from undue rise in temperature during production

checkbox product handling /packaging rooms 10°C or less

checkbox packaging materials are unwrapped in a manner than prevents contamination of RTE product or area

checkbox products (meat, ingredients, liquids, packaging materials) do not accumulate in processing areas

checkbox keep product handling areas as dry as possible

Non-Food Chemicals Receiving and Storage (B 2.2)
( ) There is a scheduled program to assess the suitability of storage conditions and handling of non food chemicals (approved, stored, mixed with no cross contamination to food, used by authorized person).

Key points:

checkbox containers of non food chemicals handled by personnel working in raw product areas are not handled by personnel working in RTE areas.

Finished Product Storage (B 2.3)
( ) There is a scheduled program to assess the suitability of storage conditions of finished products. Returns are identified and isolated. Records show deficiencies and reflect actual conditions observed during the tour/establishment inspection.

Key points:

checkbox stored at 4°C or less, if frozen -18° C or less

checkbox written return policy

checkbox no returns handled in RTE areas or by RTE employees until completely reprocessed

Additional Comments - Note any conditions or procedures relating to the previous subelements which may contribute to the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the plant environment.

Equipment

Design and Installation (C 1.1)
( ) There is a program to assess the suitability of equipment design, construction and maintenance.

Key points: for equipment in RTE areas

checkbox equipment in good condition, accessible and easy to clean, no niches, dead ends, crevices, welds or pits, exposed bolts or rivets; that trap debris or moisture

checkbox no hollow rollers conveyors or packaging film rollers

checkbox avoid cloth type conveyor belts.

checkbox directly drained / vented if using water or steam

checkbox no equipment directly over floor drains

checkbox prevents contamination of food or packing ingredients during use

checkbox wheels on trucks racks are shielded to prevent splashing onto equipment or product

checkbox use of non sanitizable equipment (wooden pallets) is avoided or prevented in areas with exposed RTE products

checkbox separate forklift or pallet jacks for RTE and raw areas

checkbox install conveyors at least 18 inches from the floor to minimize contamination

checkbox clean and sanitize protective covers for use over control panels, motors

checkbox wipe control panels with disposable sanitized wipes daily before use

Equipment maintenance and calibration (C 1.2)
( ) There is a scheduled program for the maintenance and calibration of equipment which has an effect on food safety (list, frequency, reason). Records show deficiencies and reflect actual conditions observed during the tour/establishment inspection.

Key points:

checkbox there is a list of equipment to be calibrated

checkbox frequencies of calibration and procedures are documented

checkbox there is a list of employees who are trained for calibration

checkbox critical calibration limits are known, tests and corrective action documented

Additional Comments - Note any conditions or procedures relating to the previous sub-elements which may contribute to the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the plant environment.

Personnel

General Food Hygiene Training and Technical Training, Cleanliness, Conduct / Communicable Diseases / Injuries (D 1.1, D 1.2, D 1.3)
( ) There is a program to provide training in personnel hygiene and hygienic handling practices at beginning of employment and updating to all employees (production, sanitation, maintenance, supervisors); and technical training is provided for specific tasks (CCPs, sanitation, maintenance), conduct and reporting of illness.

Key points:

checkbox all persons entering RTE areas (including workers, supervisors, maintenance) have received training

checkbox hands washed upon entering production area

checkbox proper handling of any tools, equipment or product that has fallen on the floor

checkbox clean gloves are sanitized prior to handling RTE contact surfaces or product

checkbox footwear - waterproof and sanitized upon entering RTE areas

checkbox protective clothing - changed daily and if soiled, removed when leaving RTE areas or kept strictly separate from NRTE clothing, never worn in washrooms, cafeterias or outside of plant; disposable gloves, aprons, sleeves are used in RTE areas

checkbox NRTE equipment, wooden pallets are not permitted in RTE areas

checkbox if NRTE employees (including maintenance) are required to work in RTE areas, they change protective clothing including hairnets, sanitize helmets, boots, hands etc.

checkbox maintenance is trained to avoid cross contamination from tools in RTE areas (avoids placing maintenance tools on RTE equipment surfaces / equipment that has been repaired or adjusted by maintenance is cleaned and sanitized prior to use

Sanitation and Pest Control

Sanitation Program (E 1.1.1 and E 1.1.2)
( ) There is a program to ensure that all equipment and areas are cleaned and sanitized. Procedures during production are specified and sanitation procedures do not contaminate food or packaging materials.

Key points:

checkbox area is prepared prior to cleaning: remove packaging materials / food products, cover electrical panels, disassembly of equipment

checkbox sanitation personnel have received training in sanitation, follow proper procedures and sanitation procedures are verified by trained personnel or QC

checkbox sanitation program includes:

  • frequency of each area or equipment to be cleaned;
  • special instruction (disassembly, clean with equipment running);
  • cleaning equipment to be used;
  • chemicals and concentrations used, temperatures, contact times; and
  • the main steps for cleaning: precleaning, pre-rinse, cleaning, rinse, sanitizing, final rinse if needed.

checkbox when possible run equipment during cleaning and sanitizing to ensure all surfaces are exposed to cleaning agents

checkbox chemicals used are approved and used in accordance with manufacturers instructions; use is validated by trained personnel or QC

checkbox foaming sanitizers are used for effective coverage and retention

checkbox equipment and environment is allowed to DRY completely after mid-shift or end of day cleaning

checkbox use dry cleanup methods for mid shifts sanitation. Specific procedures for mid shift cleanup are described in sanitation program

checkbox use of high pressure hoses and excessive water are avoided in RTE areas

checkbox cleaning tools, squeezes, brushes etc. are sanitized (daily) and appropriately stored. (hang to dry or store in sanitizing solution of 1,000 ppm quaternary ammonia compound; do not use mops or cleaning equipment that will not completely dry between uses

checkbox hoses or other cleaning tools for NRTE not used in RTE areas; store separately

checkbox separate sanitation crew for cleaning RTE areas or clean RTE areas first or change clothing, sanitize footwear before cleaning RTE areas

checkbox equipment not used for more than 24 hours is resanitized prior to use

checkbox non contact surfaces are cleaned at acceptable frequencies

checkbox foot baths are cleaned daily, replenished as necessary and monitored for effectiveness

checkbox hand dip sanitizers are cleaned daily, replenished as necessary and monitored for effectiveness

checkbox protective clothing (plastic aprons) stored clean and sanitized daily in RTE areas and allowed to dry completely; use of disposable plastic aprons is preferable

checkbox resanitize after removal of condensate above product contact areas

checkbox remove water from floors after cleanup without splashing

checkbox cleaning crew equipment is properly cleaned, sanitized and dried after use

checkbox never use high pressure hoses to clean a blocked drain, thoroughly clean and sanitize area following drain cleanup

checkbox avoid access to NRTE areas if responsible to clean RTE areas

checkbox remove protective clothing and store in a designated area before using employee facilities

checkbox store brooms and squeezies for floors with handles up

checkbox store equipment for overhead condensation removal with handles down (but not in contact with floor)

checkboxstore hoses off the floor after cleanup. Remove cleanup hoses from area if possible.

checkbox brine chillers are cleaned and sanitized at a scheduled frequency

checkbox use disposable wipes moistened with sanitizer to wipe and remove scrapes/juices from RTE handling equipment during operations

checkbox wiener peelers and/or slicers are difficult to clean and may occasionally need heat pasteurization to remove microorganisms from hidden areas

checkbox contain "wet" RTE processes such as mold knocking, removal of cook - in bags from other RTE process

checkbox refrigeration units cleaned and sanitized on a regular schedule

checkbox refrigeration units are included in establishment microbiological sampling plans

E 1.1.3
( ) Operations do not begin until sanitation requirements met.

Key points:

checkbox corrective action of deficiencies is taken prior to operations

checkbox final re-verification is done prior to operations allowed to start

checkbox microbiological tests are used to validate effectiveness of program

checkbox pre-operational sanitation inspection conducted just prior to production; equipment is not assembled for production until pre-operational inspection is complete.

Pest control Program (E 2.1)
( ) There is a program to ensure prevent and control pests in the establishment.

Key points:

checkbox all areas of the establishment are monitored (storage areas, welfare, maintenance)

checkbox all entrances are trapped

checkbox monitoring includes rodents and insects

Recall Program (F 1.1.1, F 1.1.2 and F 1.2.1)
( ) The company investigates consumer complaints, has a recall program plan, identifies lots of product by date or code, maintains records of all product distributed.

Final Report:

A final report will be completed by the In-depth review team leader covering the above subject areas and shall include recommendations for action to be taken. The report is to be copied to the Inspection Manager, Area Program Network Chief and Chief Meat Processing Inspection Programs for their further distribution.


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