Reusable Plastic Containers - Best Practices Guide

 The Reusable Packaging Association (RPA) released a best practices guide for safe use of reusable plastic containers (RPCs).   Reusable containers have become a integral part of the food supply chain, and like other tools/equipment used in the food chain, they can impact food safety.   It is silly to argue this even if there haven't been any outbreaks of illness that have pinpointed the returnable containers as responsible.  Studies have shown that contamination can be carried by the containers, and thus, it can serve as a source of contamination.

So expanding a little on a few keys from this guideline:

• Risk analysis - as part of a HACCP or HARPC analysis, what impact would contamination on the containers have.  Is the food carried in the containers destined for the processing line or is it RTE.  But even if the item is to be processed, contamination by spoilage organisms also needs to be considered.
• Clean - With food items where there is higher risk, whether that be pathogens or spoilage organisms, cleaning is probably necessary.   And this is where there may be an issue....cleaning is not easy.  Equipment that automatically cleans may be expensive, and doing it manually can be a challenge.  But the basics of cleaning for food contact surfaces still apply - remove the solids, clean with an appropriate cleaner, rinse, sanitize, air dry.
• Cover - Once cleaned, that surface can be contaminated if not protected, during both storage and shipping.  Storing in a covered storage area or shipping in a closed trailer to prevent those aerial poop bombers (birds) may be necessary.  Wrapping in plastic may also be necessary.
• Verify - Is cleaning and protective measures for shipping and storage adequate.  Visual observation is important, but microbiological testing can  tell if the sanitation process really works.  Swab testing for APCs may be enough, but sponge sampling for pathogens may also be needed.
• Usage - traceability is important, so follow the accepted practice for labeling the RPCs.

If using RPCs, it needs to be included in your food safety plan.  This guide will give you some...guidance for writing SOPs.


Reusable Packaging Association
http://reusables.org/4613/general/rpa-guidelines-and-best-practices-for-the-safe-use-of-returnable-containers-in-food-supply-chains
RPA Guidelines and Best Practices for the Safe Use of Returnable Containers in Food Supply Chains

The RPA Guidelines and Best Practices for the Safe Use of Returnable Containers in Food Supply Chains was created by the Reusable Packaging Association (RPA) to collectively insure a safe and wholesome food supply chain by users and suppliers of reusable containers. To learn more read RPA Best Practices Guide_FINAL and RPA Guidelines_ FAQs_FINAL

Controversy Over the Safety of Reusable Food Containers

 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.