A battle has begun between the corrugated container provides and the reusable plastic container (RPC) providers with regard to safety for handling produce. The corrugated container people cite two studies (that they paid for) that show contains can carry bacteria, while the RPC cite a history of use where there has been no documented cases of food safety issues related to these reusable plastic containers.
I guess my approach is more simplistic. If food surfaces are contaminated, they can be the source of contamination to the food the carry. That contamination can be pathogens or even spoilage organisms depending upon the application. So if you are willing to properly clean those containers, then that is great, but you better be able to validate that cleaning process. If not, there is the possibility of issues (depending on the application of use). Or you can consider using one-time-use corrugated containers that eliminate the risk.
Having worked in the industry for many years, I have seen reusable plastic containers that are down right disgusting. And I think the RPC industry is doing itself a disservice by not stating that these containers need to be properly cleaned and sanitized, especially in applications where that contamination can be harmful (for example, in refrigerated RTE applications where Listeria biofilm formation can lead to contamination).
In a world where sustainability is becoming a necessity, reusable containers will become an important part for reducing waste. But we cannot give those containers a pass because they are considered 'more sustainable'. For operations that wish to go in this direction, part of that investment must be the means for cleaning and sanitizing.
Even done to the consumer level where people have used reusable plastic containers for storing food. One company is selling reusable zip lock bags (bottom). That is great, as long as the consumers can adequately clean them.
The Packer
http://www.thepacker.com/fruit-vegetable-news/RPC-corrugated-groups-spar-over-food-safety-283218931.html?llsms=1051551&c=y
RPC, corrugated groups spar over food safety
11/19/2014 11:56:00 AM
Tom Karst
Two recent studies of bacteria on reusable plastic containers — both sponsored by corrugated carton groups — question the cleaning process used on RPCs before they enter the supply chain again. RPC supplier IFCO and the Reusable Packaging Association has countered that no foodborne illness outbreak has been traced to RPCS. Keith Warriner, professor of food safety at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, said the study of RPCs — commissioned by the Canadian Corrugated and Containerboard Association — was an extension of one he performed in 2013. The first study tested 50 RPCs, while the 2014 study involved 160 RPCs. In the 2014 study, RPC samples from five Canadian packing facilities were pulled from different lots of trays that had been delivered on pallets wrapped with plastic film. Corrugated cartons from those facilities were not tested for comparison, Warriner said.
The study found that 13% of the RPCs tested positive for generic E. coli, but none tested positive for salmonella; 73% exceeded bacterial load levels, although that doesn’t mean they tested positive for E. coli, salmonella, listeria or other pathogens commonly associated with foodborne illness outbreaks. “
The results of the study have confirmed that a high proportion of RPCs are of poor sanitary status due to inadequate sanitation or post-cleaning contamination,” Warriner said in the study’s conclusion. Trevor Suslow, produce safety specialist and plant pathologist at University of California-Davis, also conducted a recent study of RPCs, “Assessment of General RPC Cleanliness As Delivered for Use in Packing and Distribution of Fresh Produce.”
Corrugated Delivers sponsored efforts to publicize the results and International Paper sponsored the testing. Suslow said his research shows inconsistencies in the system for handling pooled RPCs. The difference between the Canadian study and Suslow’s is that his research tested RPCs with visible organic matter or residual produce material.
“The main takeaway from that is that we found, other than in a few cases across a few different weeks or pallet loads, the units that looked visually clean and dry had very similar viable or living microbial indicator counts compared to the ones we pulled apart for cause,” he said. A general inconsistency in cleaning and sanitation of pool RPCs was observed in his findings, he said. “There are improvements that need to happen, in my opinion,” he said. - See more at: http://www.thepacker.com/fruit-vegetable-news/RPC-corrugated-groups-spar-over-food-safety-283218931.html?llsms=1051551&c=y#sthash.QExngorR.dpuf
Food in Canada
http://www.foodincanada.com/food-safety/open-letter-growershippers-retailers-members-reusable-packaging-association-129767
An open letter to all grower/shippers and retailers from the members of the Reusable Packaging Association
No incidence of food contamination from RPCs
By Jerry Welcome
Providing a safe food supply chain is a top concern for the Reusable Packaging Association (RPA) and our members. In fact, there has never been a documented food safety issue associated with the use of reusable plastic containers (RPCs) in Canada or the U.S.
To help maintain this stellar record, we formed an RPC Food Safety Standards Committee earlier this year. This industry-wide committee, that includes the Canadian Produce Marketing Association and other stakeholders from Canada, has been researching and developing even stronger sanitation protocols for reusable containers based on HACCP, GMPs, and other food safety regimens identified by the U.S. FDA and its Canadian counterparts. The guidelines also draw from recognized international food safety standards and practices.
The Canadian Corrugated and Containerboard Association (CCCA) is distributing a report from the University of Guelph with questionable results about a study on the cleanliness of RPCs used by Canadian growers, shippers and retailers. We believe that using the threat of food safety as a marketing tool is a disservice to the consumer and to the industries we serve.
Here are the facts: RPCs have been used to ship food products such as milk, eggs, and produce in the U.S. and Europe for more than 20 years without a single documented incidence of food contamination attributable to their use.
The guidelines being developed by the RPC Food Safety Standards Committee will strengthen the safety of reusable containers even more. When they are published later this year, we will encourage all manufacturers, service providers, users, and retailers to adopt and adhere to them. When fully vetted, the guidelines will become the best practices for reusables in the food supply chain.
The guidelines have been researched and discussed by a broad cross-section of representatives of the food supply chain. They include the manufacturers of reusable products and service providers, shippers and growers, label manufacturers, retailers, and industry trade groups such as United Fresh, CPMA, PMA, the Canadian Horticulture Association, and many other Canadian groups. They have been working diligently to make sure we are doing everything possible as an industry to address potential food safety concerns with real measurable solutions.
The use of returnable shipping containers is increasing in the food industry. This growth is occurring because reusables offer multiple documented benefits over expendable packaging including cost reductions, less waste, better product protection, better transportation utilization, easier to handle containers, and a more environmental friendly and sustainable business for all users in the supply chain.
These benefits are challenging expendable products in the marketplace. The suppliers of those products are now turning to scare tactics and questionable studies to stem the incursion of reusables into an area where they have been the dominant supplier.
We need to separate real issues from perceived ones. We need to identify real threats to the safety of our food supply system and stay focused on dealing with these issues in a collaborative and rational manner. The RPA and its members remain committed to working with users and retailers to identify potential issues and resolve them together.
We welcome the participation of our detractors as well as our supporters to address real food safety issues and to continually strengthen reusable solutions and practices to create a safer food supply.
Boston Globe - Food and Dining
http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2014/11/18/greener-baggies-can-washed-and-reused/gRrB1uYkuncSi3SJYMaCEL/story.html
(Re)Zip baggies can be washed and reused
November 18, 2014
If you want a green kitchen, replace those ordinary plastic bags with the new (Re)Zip reusable storage bags from the Austin, Texas, company BlueAvocado. Made from chemical-free, food-safe vinyl, the sturdy baggie-like containers are hand-washable and leakproof with a double seal to keep food fresh. (Re)Zip Seal is good for snacks and sandwiches (two bags, each 8-by-4-inches for $7.99; two bags, each 8-by-7 inches for $8.99). Bags with expandable bases, called (Re)Zip Volume (two bags, ½ cup capacity for $7.99; two bags, 1 cup capacity, for $9.99) are useful for food, assorted items, like crayons or even makeup when traveling. You’ll feel good about doing your part for the planet. Available at Bloomingdale’s, 225 Boylston St., Newton, 617-630-6000, The Container Store, and Sur La Table locations, or go to www.blueavocado.com.
ANN TRIEGER KURLAND
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