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PAS 220:2008 - Prerequisite programmes on Food safety

What is PAS 220:2008?

PAS 220:2008 is a Publicly Available Specification (PAS) that specifies the requirements for prerequisite programs in order to control risk within the manufacturing processes of international food supply chains. This PAS is intended to be used in conjunction with ISO 22000: 2005, the internationally recognised food safety standard, rather than in isolation. Specifically, Clause 7 of ISO 22000:2005 requires organisations to implement and maintain prerequisite programmes to assist in controlling food safety hazards.

Who does it apply to?

This PAS applies to all food manufacturers regardless of their complexity and size and is for use within the manufacturing stage only. It is not intended for other parts of the supply chain.

Who developed it and why?

PAS 220 was sponsored by Confederation of Food and Drink Industries of the European Union and developed in conjunction with four major food companies: Kraft, Danone, Unilever and Nestle. A number of major food manufacturers use ISO 22000:2005 as their food safety framework as it enables them to integrate food safety management into their other management systems for example ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. Manufacturers of retailer branded products are usually required to be certified to BRC standard (British Retail Consortium) or IFS standard (International Food Safety), and whilst PAS:220 does not directly relate to BRC it will assist those manufacturers striving for best practice.

What is covered within PAS 220:2008?

Construction and layout of buildings
- e.g. Environmental and location of establishments etc
Layout of premises and workspace
- e.g. Internal structures and fittings, lab facilities etc
Utilities - air, water, energy
- e.g. Water supply, boiler chemicals, air quality etc
Waste disposal
- e.g. Waste management, drains and drainage etc
Equipment suitability, cleaning and maintenance
- e.g. Hygienic design, preventive and corrective maintenance
Management of purchased materials
- e.g. Incoming raw material requirements
Measures for prevention of cross contamination
- e.g. Allergen management
Cleaning & sanitation
- e.g. Cleaning agents and tools, monitoring cleaning effectiveness etc
Pest control
- e.g. Monitoring and detection, preventing access etc
Personal hygiene and employee facilities
e.g. Staff canteen and eating areas, health status etc
Rework
- e.g. Storage and identification
Product recall procedures
Warehousing
- e.g. Vehicles and containers
Product information/consumer awareness
- e.g. Labelling of pre packaged foods
Food defence, biovigilance and bioterrorism
- e.g. Access controls

Case Studies

Product Recall Solutions
food industry

Product Vanilla Custard Incident Listeria monocytogenes Country Australia Date 07/08/2009	Following the official checks, vanilla custards are being withdrawn from the market in Australia due to presence of Listeria monocytogenes . Consumers were advised not to consume the product and to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. No illnesses have been reported as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission posted the alert on its website
Product Hot Chilli Sauce Incident Unauthorised use of food additives Country Germany Date 05/08/2009	A well known manufacturer of hot chilli sauce from the United States had their products withdrawn from the market in Germany. The reason for the product withdrawal is unauthorised use of sulphite which could be hazardous to consumers' health.

Product Vanilla Custard
Incident Listeria monocytogenes
Country Australia
Date 07/08/2009

Following the official checks, vanilla custards are being withdrawn from the market in Australia due to presence of Listeria monocytogenes .

Consumers were advised not to consume the product and to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. No illnesses have been reported as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission posted the alert on its website

Product Hot Chilli Sauce
Incident Unauthorised use of food additives
Country Germany
Date 05/08/2009

A well known manufacturer of hot chilli sauce from the United States had their products withdrawn from the market in Germany. The reason for the product withdrawal is unauthorised use of sulphite which could be hazardous to consumers' health.

Product Recall Solutions
consumer products

Product Clothing Incident Risk of strangulation Country Greece Date 16/08/2009	Following an official order by the authorities in Greece, a girl's summer blouse has been recalled from consumers. The product poses a risk of strangulation due to the presence of drawstrings in the neck area. This creates a direct health hazard for small children (product designed for 6 year old children).The product does not comply with the European standard EN 14682.
Product Furniture Incident Injuries Country United Kingdom Date 07/08/2009	In the UK, large wooden hammocks have been recalled by a manufacturer from China due to a risk of injury. This product poses serious health hazards to consumers as it has been tested in the open air and there is a possibility that it can break during use. All affected products have been removed from the shelves and consumers were notified of the necessary action to take. Seven injuries have been reported and consumers have been advised not to use the product.

Product Clothing
Incident Risk of strangulation
Country Greece
Date 16/08/2009

Following an official order by the authorities in Greece, a girl's summer blouse has been recalled from consumers. The product poses a risk of strangulation due to the presence of drawstrings in the neck area. This creates a direct health hazard for small children (product designed for 6 year old children).The product does not comply with the European standard EN 14682.

Product Furniture
Incident Injuries
Country United Kingdom
Date 07/08/2009

In the UK, large wooden hammocks have been recalled by a manufacturer from China due to a risk of injury. This product poses serious health hazards to consumers as it has been tested in the open air and there is a possibility that it can break during use. All affected products have been removed from the shelves and consumers were notified of the necessary action to take. Seven injuries have been reported and consumers have been advised not to use the product.

RQA Europe Limited
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Reading RG6 6BZ
Tel 44 (0)118 935 72 42