FSQA Snippets: Foreign Material Control

FM is defined as non-food substances that could cause injury to a consumer, and per USDA FSIS Directive 7310.5 examples of FM are foreign material such as metal, plastic, rubber, glass, wood, steel, or lead shot, and should be considered in the hazard analysis of the HACCP plan.

Some sources of FM are Incoming Materials, Processing Equipment/Environment, Team Members, Product Packaging, Pests, Intentional adulteration, to name a few.

FM Control Strategies:

Incoming materials

o   Suppliers should have effective FM control programs and have GFSI certification

o   Installation of in-line filters/magnets, or use of manual inspection of incoming products for the possible existence and removal of FM

Processing equipment/environment

• Preventative maintenance programs, conducting a hazard analysis/Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA) and removing unnecessary parts identified from the environment and from the equipment if not needed

• Metal/X-ray machines before final packaging

• Daily inspection of equipment and the environment

• Use of food grade lubricants and parts that are metal or x-ray detectable

• Glass should not be used (or if unavoidable shielded behind shatter-proof materials)

Pest Control Program

Team member training

Making team members aware of how their role could lead to the potential contamination of product and creating an environment to recognize team members who report missing personal equipment or if they see something missing from the machinery/find a piece of foreign material is critical.

In conclusion, effective foreign material control protects your consumers and your company brand, as well as prevents expensive recalls/product withdrawals.

For more information or assistance, please go to my website: FFS

It would be my honor to serve your company.

Steve