Allergen Cleaning as a Control

Allergen Cleaning and Control

In an ideal world, separate facilities for each allergen would exist, but this is not practical. Therefore, effective allergen control through proper cleaning is essential to prevent cross-contamination. Allergen cleaning is different from general hygienic cleaning, as it specifically aims to remove allergenic residues from equipment and tools.

Key Considerations for Allergen Cleaning:

1. Understanding Product Soils
   • Identify residue left on equipment after production.
   • Determine whether it is easy or difficult to remove.
   • Consider how processing (e.g., heat) affects residue removal.
2. Risk Assessment & Equipment Design
   • Identify areas where cross-contact can occur.
   • Assess equipment for "dead spots" where residues may accumulate.
   • Determine what and when to clean based on production schedules.
3. Setting a Cleaning Goal
   • Define cleanliness standards (e.g., complete allergen removal vs. visual cleanliness).
   • Choose appropriate cleaning agents, water temperature, and cleaning methods.
   • Decide if cleaning should be in-place or require equipment dismantling.
4. Three Cleaning Energies
   • Mechanical Energy: Scrubbing, turbulence, high-pressure jets.
   • Thermal Energy: Hot water, heated CIP washes.
   • Chemical Energy: Cleaning agents and detergents.
5. Wet vs. Dry Cleaning
   • Wet Cleaning is preferred as it utilizes all three cleaning energies.
   • Dry Cleaning (e.g., vacuuming, brushing, scraping) is necessary when water use is not feasible.
6. Validation & Continuous Verification
   • Cleaning regimes must be tested and validated to meet allergen control goals.
   • Documented standard operating procedures (SOPs) ensure consistency.
   • Continuous verification ensures long-term effectiveness.

Recap:

1. Allergen cleaning is essential for allergen control.
2. It must effectively remove allergen residues.
3. Cleaning methods must be validated and continuously verified.