Re: The EU inspections and the chlorinated water

From: Liz Brown (bfeab@uaf.edu)
Date: Sat Jan 13 2007 - 09:34:05 PST

  • Next message: Chingling R. Tanco \(mida\): "RE: The EU inspections and the chlorinated water"

    Responding to an earlier message - if shrimp are washed with 50ppm
    chlorine don't they taste like chlorine? We went round and round about
    chlorinating chute transport water for our salmon roe for that reason.

    Interesting discussion!

    -Liz

    Shahul Hameed wrote:
    >
    > Hello,
    > If you have a very good "risk analysis" for any process or fixture, it
    > should solve all your problems. I agree with Remi on the views on EU
    > inspectors, but they also hear your view points if you have one. It is
    > always good for the table to drain direct into the main drainage, but
    > design restrictions of the processing floor will make it difficult and
    > you need to make a risk analysis and keep record.
    >
    > As the EU inspectors are visiting to verify the competency of the
    > Competent Authorities, I believe, most of the local inspectors are
    > afraid to speak out to the inspectors.
    >
    > Best Regards
    >
    > Shahul Hameed.
    > Grand Lake Co for Fish,
    > Abu Simbel Tourist City,
    > Aswan,
    > Egypt.
    > Mob: +20 12 617 8081
    > Fax: +20 97 340 1262
    > www.Grand-lake.net <http://www.Grand-lake.net>
    >
    >
    > ----- Original Message -----
    > *From:* Chingling R. Tanco (mida) <mailto:crtanco@mida-group.com>
    > *To:* 'Remi Michalowski' <mailto:remi.michalowski@cpp.co.id>
    > *Cc:* 'Francisco Blaha' <mailto:francisco@ihug.co.nz> ;
    > seafood@ucdavis.edu <mailto:seafood@ucdavis.edu>
    > *Sent:* Saturday, January 13, 2007 4:38 PM
    > *Subject:* RE: The EU inspections and the chlorinated water
    >
    > Agree Remi on the question on contact with boots. Also, many ice
    > rooms in plants have separate foot dips before anyone is allowed to
    > walk into the room even from the plant so I don’t follow the logic
    > either. Also if you fix your tables and design the drains to the
    > location of tables, what happens if you want to adjust your process
    > flows and move your tables. This becomes very very unreasonable.
    >
    >
    >
    > Re: Ozone - One thing I heard about ozone systems is that they do
    > not match with PVC pipes – I think ozone corrodes PVC so be careful.
    >
    >
    >
    > I think that for the Philippine visit, the local Fisheries Bureau
    > was at much under scrutiny as the plants that were inspected so I
    > hope the Dept of Fisheries officials there are as prepared as the
    > Philippine ones. Ours here were so strict that many plants here
    > even accused them of being more on the side of the EU than of the
    > Philippine exporters. To date there are only 4 plants that are EU
    > accredited to export shrimp, so now that the ban on the vannamei has
    > been lifted, we need to work on getting more plants to be able to
    > ship to the EU when shrimp volume comes up and local prices come down.
    >
    >
    >
    > Chingling Tanco
    >
    > Managing Director,
    >
    > Mida Trade Ventures Int’l Inc.
    >
    >
    >
    > * From: * Remi Michalowski [mailto:remi.michalowski@cpp.co.id]
    > *Sent:* Saturday, January 13, 2007 10:30 PM
    > *To:* Chingling R. Tanco (mida)
    > *Cc:* 'Francisco Blaha'; seafood@ucdavis.edu
    > *Subject:* Re: The EU inspections and the chlorinated water
    >
    >
    >
    > Hi Chingling,
    >
    >
    >
    > Thanks a lot for the feed-back. It will be very very useful as the
    > EU FVO comes here by January 22nd.
    >
    >
    >
    > First, about the ozone, it is perfectly allowed to be used in
    > contact with foodstuffs in EU, but you will need to check for the
    > residues e.g. bromates.
    >
    >
    >
    > The, about the GHPs, please keep in mind that the FVO inspectors are
    > at 80-90% veterinarians... they have basically no education in food
    > industry. So they have a certain sensitivity to hygiene mainly
    > resulting from their experience in meat, poulty and farms industry.
    >
    >
    >
    > Then, about their "rationale", I do not follow their point of view:
    > Ice, baskets, utensils, etc. are not in direct contact with the
    > floor (e.g. on racks). The EU legislation only states that there is
    > no stagnant water in processing areas and that the waste waters /
    > effluents do not accumulate and are easily disposed outside the
    > processing areas (which leads to another issue: the washing - No
    > washing tank shall be used to wash your material).
    >
    > So, theorically, and if we analyze the risk of such "infraction", is
    > it really relevant?
    >
    >
    >
    > A contact with boots is pretty difficult to avoid, don't you think?
    > as the fishery industries are pretty wet processes...
    >
    >
    >
    > Rgds,
    >
    >
    >
    > * Dipl. Ing. Remi Michalowski *
    >
    > * Deputy General Manager IQA Food Processing *
    >
    > PT. Centralpertiwi Bahari - Lampung , Indonesia
    >
    > HP + 62 815 4040 484
    >
    > Yahoo Messenger ID: michalowski_rmi@yahoo.fr
    > <mailto:michalowski_rmi@yahoo.fr>
    >
    >
    >
    > / CPB - Integrated Shrimp Farming. "From Pond to Plate" /
    >
    > A CPP Company. Member of Charoen Pokphand Group
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    > On Jan 13, 2007, at 8:52 PM, Chingling R. Tanco (mida) wrote:
    >
    >
    >
    > HI Francisco and Remi,
    >
    > Thanks for the discussion on this and I am fascinated here as I see
    > the regulations you quote and the so called rationale and the Codex
    > allowed use at 10ppm.
    >
    >
    >
    > Historically in practice, chlorine used to be used in shrimp washing
    > (for the USA) at levels as high as 50ppm for raw material coming in
    > from the ponds, and several washes afterwards decreasing to 20ppm
    > and then even still about 5ppm at the final wash water and maybe
    > even final water put in with the blocks before entering the contact
    > freezer. This goes back almost 15 years ago. Things have changed
    > and some of these levels have fallen but i know some people’s HACCP
    > plans accepted by US buyers have washes at the 20ppm level, and this
    > was caught during the EU visits to Indonesia and the Philippines
    > about 2 years ago and that is the first many people here, including
    > government officials heard that no chlorine should be used on
    > product – yes – even tuna with skin.
    >
    >
    >
    > Are other treatments acceptable? I know that in china, they dip the
    > final fillets (especially after CO or filterned smoke treatments),
    > in an ozonated water bath. Is this considered an additive and thus
    > also not acceptable for EU?
    >
    >
    >
    > Another sanitation issue that came up in the recent EU visits to the
    > Philippines was the drainage from tables (processing tables –
    > whether for beheading or sizing or peeling/cutting of shrimp or
    > other product processing) and the splashing of the water from these
    > tables to the floor. EU inspectors felt that that drainage water
    > should not splash on the floor because the splash of potentially
    > “dirty” or “contaminated” water from product will get to boots of
    > workers and as workers walk around the plant, this contamination
    > would spread and especially if it comes into contact with ice in the
    > ice storage, then this contamination could move from the ice back to
    > product and contaminate product. So not only does the EU prefer
    > that tables be outfitted with long chutes for water to not simply
    > drain down and “SPLASH” into the floor and into boots, they would
    > much prefer that the long chutes or pipes draining water and gunk
    > from the table, be made such that they drain directly into the floor
    > drains and flow out of the plant. I guess the theory there is that
    > this “dirty” water could flow through the floor and somehow
    > contaminate product indirectly. I know that some processing plants
    > here that were recently inspected by the EU had to redo their entire
    > plant floors because they had center drains and so obviously the
    > chutes from the processing tables could not go directly to those
    > drains unless tables were located only above those center drains. I
    > know many EU accredited plants in Indonesia that do not have this
    > kind of drains from tables much less table chutes that go directly
    > into floor drains. Our Bureau of Fisheries has inspectors that
    > consider it a major defect if plant drains are not fit accordingly.
    > See attached photo.
    >
    >
    >
    > Do you or anyone else on this listserve know anything about this
    > type of requirement or a better rationale to this requirement and
    > should it be a major infraction if processing tables are not
    > positioned as such and drain to the floor perhaps without splashing
    > but not necessarily directly into a floor drainhole?
    >
    >
    >
    > Regards,
    >
    > Chingling Tanco
    >
    > Mida Trade Ventures Int’l Inc.
    >
    > Manila , Philippines
    >
    >
    >
    > * From: * owner-seafood@ucdavis.edu
    > [mailto:owner-seafood@ucdavis.edu] *On Behalf Of *Remi Michalowski
    > *Sent:* Saturday, January 13, 2007 8:42 PM
    > *To:* Francisco Blaha
    > *Cc:* seafood@ucdavis.edu <mailto:seafood@ucdavis.edu>; Chingling R.
    > Tanco (mida)
    > *Subject:* Re: The EU inspections and the chlorinated water
    >
    >
    >
    > Hi Francisco,
    >
    >
    >
    > Right, Directive No 98/83 on potable water requires that the level
    > of free chlorine at the distribution point does not exceed 0.5 ppm.
    >
    >
    >
    > But, the EU legislation Reg No 852 and 853/2004 allow the use of
    > CLEAN water once it is not a threat for the product safety. Clean
    > means no pathogen, if I am right.
    >
    >
    >
    > Anyway, use of chlorine in DIRECT contact with the foodstuff is
    > forbidden in EU as stated in the legislation for biocidal products.
    >
    >
    >
    > But, Codex still allows the use if below 10 ppm.
    >
    >
    >
    > Anyway, the fact is EU FVO inspectors (I apologize to the
    > inspectors, if registered on the list) do not know the rationale
    > behind it.
    >
    > Mainly, and I remember a visit in Indonesia , they simply state "no
    > Chlorine in a processing plant", which has created a lot of issues
    > for the local producers, especially for water treatment and surfaces
    > sanitation, whereas EU legislation is clear: Sodium hypochlorite is
    > still allowed for disinfection of surfaces in contact with
    > foodstuffs and for water disinfection.
    >
    >
    >
    > Chlorine use in food industry will be a long-term issue, and SANCO
    > shall give a clear statement on this. The fact is I am sure they are
    > pretty annoyed about this because it creates financial,
    > technological and food safety problems (Chlorine was widely used in
    > France and Spain for vegetables disinfection and it is still a cheap
    > disinfectant with wide-spectrum action).
    >
    >
    >
    > At last, you can find reports of EFSA state that sodium
    > hypochlorite, used at the usual levels, does not appear to be a food
    > safety issue.
    >
    >
    >
    > Rgds,
    >
    >
    >
    > * Dipl. Ing. Remi Michalowski *
    >
    > * Deputy General Manager IQA Food Processing *
    >
    > PT. Centralpertiwi Bahari - Lampung , Indonesia
    >
    > HP + 62 815 4040 484
    >
    > Yahoo Messenger ID: michalowski_rmi@yahoo.fr
    > <mailto:michalowski_rmi@yahoo.fr>
    >
    >
    >
    > / CPB - Integrated Shrimp Farming. "From Pond to Plate" /
    >
    > A CPP Company. Member of Charoen Pokphand Group
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    > On Jan 13, 2007, at 7:10 PM, Francisco Blaha wrote:
    >
    >
    >
    >
    > Hello all
    >
    > As far as I understand it (mostly by having endure various EU
    > visits), the rationale behind is that only potable water is to be in
    > contact with the product, and they normally base their judgement on
    > the local requirement for chlorine in potable water (around .5 to
    > 1ppm in most countries). Hence water that has more than that is
    > hyper chlorinated and not potable, therefore should not be in
    > contact with the product.
    >
    > Hope it helps
    >
    > Best regards
    >
    >
    > --
    > Francisco Blaha
    > www.franciscoblaha.com <http://www.franciscoblaha.com>
    >
    >
    >
    >
    > On 12/1/07 3:08 AM, "Remi Michalowski" <remi.michalowski@cpp.co.id
    > <mailto:remi.michalowski@cpp.co.id>> wrote:
    >
    >
    >
    > Hello Chingling,
    >
    > Happy new year, all my best wishes for 2007.
    >
    > Indeed if u look at the EU legislation on biocidal compounds, the
    > peracetic acid is unfortunately not registered as washing aid to be
    > used in contact with foodstuffs, but u can still use it for water
    > disinfection (like the sodium hypochlorite).
    >
    > Abt the 5 to 10 ppm in the water, u can still try to push
    > Philippines and other ASEAN countries to sue SANCO through WTO as
    > Codex Alimentarius still recommend the use of chlorinated water in
    > contact with fishery products (max 10 ppm) until the Guidance on the
    > use of chlorinated water is issued.
    >
    > Rgds,
    >
    > * Dipl. Ing. Remi Michalowski
    > Deputy General Manager IQA Food Processing
    > * PT. Centralpertiwi Bahari - Lampung , Indonesia
    > HP x2B; 62 815 4040 484
    > Yahoo Messenger ID: michalowski_rmi@yahoo.fr
    > <mailto:michalowski_rmi@yahoo.fr>
    >
    > /CPB - Integrated Shrimp Farming. "From Pond to Plate"
    > /A CPP Company. Member of Charoen Pokphand Group
    >
    >
    > On Jan 11, 2007, at 3:11 AM, Chingling R. Tanco (mida) wrote:
    >
    >
    >
    > Question:
    > Your using chlorinated water in the chiller – does this mean a
    > chiller as in refrigerator or chilling water used for the fillets?
    > Doesn’t Europe frown on the use of chlorine on any water used for
    > the product and if this Is correct, wouldn’t they also frown on
    > peracetic acid?
    > EU officials recently visited the Philippines and Indonesia and one
    > of the main criticisms is that chlorinated water at levels of even
    > as low as 5-10% in any wash water that would come in contact with
    > product – whether with skin or not, is frowned upon. The problem
    > was that many plants had this chlorinated wash in their HACCP plans
    > because it was/is an acceptable practice for the USA and Canadian
    > markets.
    >
    > Can anyone comment on this?
    >
    > Chingling R. Tanco
    > Managing Director
    > Mida Trade Ventures Int’l Inc,/Mida Food Distributors Inc.
    > Manila , Jakarta , Surabaya , Ho Chi Minh City
    >
    >
    > * From: * owner-seafood@ucdavis.edu
    > <mailto:owner-seafood@ucdavis.edu> [mailto:owner-seafood@ucdavisedu]
    > <mailto:owner-seafood@ucdavis.edu%5d> *On Behalf Of *Luiz Henrique
    > *Sent:* Thursday, January 11, 2007 2:13 AM
    > *To:* seafood@ucdavis.edu <mailto:seafood@ucdavis.edu>
    > *Subject:* RES: green coloration in frozen tilapia
    >
    > Janani,
    > The situation happened with me in two opportunities, also.
    > All our fish is produced for instance free from drugs as malachite
    > green (MG) and leucomalachite green (LMG)
    > The suspicions were deterioration for resistant bacterias to the low
    > temperature, presents in the visceras, meantime in my analyzes it
    > was not detected an number high of resistant bacterias the low
    > temperature.
    > Another suspicion was the high exposition to chlorinated water in
    > the chiller.
    > The problem can be solved when substituting the chlorine for
    > peracetic acid.
    > best regards,
    > _______________________________________________
    > Luiz Henrique Barrochelo
    > Plant Manager - Veterinarian
    > Tilápia do Brasil Ind. de Pescados de Aquicultura.
    > Tel/Fax: 55 (18) 3694.7200 / 3694.7255 / 3694.7256
    > Cel: 55 (18) 9101.5787
    > e-mail: luizhenrique@tilapiadobrasil.com.br
    > <mailto:luizhenrique@tilapiadobrasil.com.br>
    > <mailto:luizhenrique@tilapiadobrasil.com.br>
    > www.tilapiadobrasil.com.br <http://www.tilapiadobrasil.com.br/>
    >
    >
    > * De: * Janani Tulasendrapuram [mailto:tkjanani@gmail.com]
    > <mailto:tkjanani@gmail.com%5d>
    > *Enviada em:* terça-feira, 9 de janeiro de 2007 18:58
    > *Para* *:* luizhenrique@tilapiadobrasil.com.br
    > <mailto:luizhenrique@tilapiadobrasil.com.br>
    > *Assunto:* green coloration in frozen tilapia
    >
    > Hi,
    >
    > I was referring to frozen tilapia fillets, and frozen for 4-5
    > months. If you have any knowledge of the green coloration in
    > tilapia, I would appreciate your input.
    >
    >
    >
    > Thanks,
    > Janani
    >
    >
    >
    > ---
    > The information contained in this communication (including any
    > attachments) is privileged and confidential, and may be legally
    > exempt from disclosure under applicable law. It is intended only for
    > the specific purpose of being used by the individual or entity to
    > whom it is addressed. If you are not the addressee indicated in this
    > message (or are responsible for delivery of the message to such
    > person), you must not disclose, disseminate, distribute, deliver,
    > copy, circulate, rely on or use any of the information contained in
    > this transmission.
    >
    > We apologize if you have received this communication in error;
    > kindly inform the sender accordingly. Please also ensure that this
    > original message and any record of it is permanently deleted from
    > your computer system. We do not give or endorse any opinions,
    > conclusions and other information in this message that do not relate
    > to our official business.
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    > ---
    > The information contained in this communication (including any
    > attachments) is privileged and confidential, and may be legally
    > exempt from disclosure under applicable law. It is intended only for
    > the specific purpose of being used by the individual or entity to
    > whom it is addressed. If you are not the addressee indicated in this
    > message (or are responsible for delivery of the message to such
    > person), you must not disclose, disseminate, distribute, deliver,
    > copy, circulate, rely on or use any of the information contained in
    > this transmission.
    >
    > We apologize if you have received this communication in error;
    > kindly inform the sender accordingly. Please also ensure that this
    > original message and any record of it is permanently deleted from
    > your computer system. We do not give or endorse any opinions,
    > conclusions and other information in this message that do not relate
    > to our official business.
    >
    > <table draining to floor drain hole.JPG>
    >
    >
    >
    >
    > ---
    > The information contained in this communication (including any
    > attachments) is privileged and confidential, and may be legally
    > exempt from disclosure under applicable law. It is intended only for
    > the specific purpose of being used by the individual or entity to
    > whom it is addressed. If you are not the addressee indicated in this
    > message (or are responsible for delivery of the message to such
    > person), you must not disclose, disseminate, distribute, deliver,
    > copy, circulate, rely on or use any of the information contained in
    > this transmission.
    >
    > We apologize if you have received this communication in error;
    > kindly inform the sender accordingly. Please also ensure that this
    > original message and any record of it is permanently deleted from
    > your computer system. We do not give or endorse any opinions,
    > conclusions and other information in this message that do not relate
    > to our official business.
    >

    -- 
    Liz Brown
    Assistant Professor
    Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program
    School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
    University of Alaska Fairbanks
    PO Box 1549
    Dillingham, Alaska 99576
    907-842-1265
    fax 907-842-3202
    http://seagrant.uaf.edu/map
    



    This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Sat Jan 13 2007 - 09:41:22 PST