Food grade compressed air and the new CoP

Geoff Taylor, MD of Boge and a Director of BCAS, says "Don't panic!" to food companies, when reading about best practice for the supply of compressed air in the new Food Industry Code of Practice

Geoff Taylor, Managing Director of Boge Compressors and a Director of the British Compressed Air Society is urging food industry compressed air users not to panic about the new Food Industry Code of Practice, which sets out best practice for the supply of compressed air.

Due to be launched in June 2006 this Food Industry Code of Practice for the supply of compressed air has been prepared by the British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) and the British Retail Consortium (BRC).

This code of practice has been developed to clarify and regulate the use of compressed air that is used in any part of the "farm to table" production process.

The new Code of Practice not only considers compressed air that is used in direct contact with food production but also compressed air that does not come into contact with the food product but forms part of the production process.

The Food Industry has faced increasing pressure in recent times to adhere to extremely high standards of hygiene and health and safety when preparing food produce.

As such the use of oil lubricated compressors in the food production process has from time to time come under attack and caused widespread concern.

This new Code clearly identifies best practice for using compressed air within such processes.

As Geoff Taylor explains: "Compressed air users should not be alarmed about the new Code of Practice.

The Code clearly confirms that both; oil lubricated as well as oil free compressors are acceptable methods of generating compressed air for use in the Food Industry.

Companies who are already using oil lubricated compressors in their food production process should not panic and feel that they have to rush out and purchase an oil free compressor.

This is actually not necessary so long as they are using a Food Grade compressor lubricant.

The new code of practice calls for Class 1 quality air, which if in contact with the actual food product should be produced at a -40C dewpoint.

This coupled to twice yearly air purity tests alongside a documented preventative maintenance contract will provide the necessary evidence to fully comply".

Taylor concludes: "In reality many food manufacturing plants will already comply and the requirement for air quality testing and a documented preventative maintenance regime will cause very little anxiety.

If in doubt - contact Boge for advice".

Boge manufactures a comprehensive range of oil lubricated and oil free screw compressors suitable for operation in the food industry along with a food grade lubricant suitable for those end users operating oil lubricated compressors.

The BCAS/BRC Food Industry Code of Practice for the supply of compressed air booklet is available via Boge, it is priced at GBP25.

To order your copy or for more information please phone Boge Compressors.

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