I am carrying out a safety orientated HACCP evaluation of a plant and in particular a system that requires the production of phosphate solution to reduce drip loss in frozen block of fillets.
The process uses mains water drawn into a stainless steel tank and refrigerated. Into this is mixed phosphate in powder form. The solution is mixed, then pumped to an unrefridgerated holding tank then pumped again to an unrefrigerated dosing tank. The solution is all used during one day's production (10 hours). The filters in the pumps are cleaned twice daily and the three tanks are cleaned at the end of each day. The solution is added to cod fillets, which are immediately (5 mins) boxed and plate frozen.
The product is used by another processor for the manufacture of fish fingers and like products.
I have not come across any problem with similar systems in the past and the company's own records of 10 years show no safety issue with the product although pumps used previous to the new filtration system are reported to have built up E.coli.
I am interested to know if anyone has identified, or heard of incidences, of bacterial contamination in similar circumstances. In particular I question the filtration system, it must generate heat and have pockets that are not cleaned as frequently as the actual filters.
Any views would be gratefully received.
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