Verification and Validation of Sanitation Controls – What Should We Do?

The definition of validation, as given by the CODEX Alimentarius, "Guidelines for the Validation of Food Safety Control Measure” (2008) is: “Obtaining evidence that a control measure or combination of control measures, if properly implemented, is capable of controlling the hazard to a specified outcome." In the case of sanitation, the process refers to the materials and procedures used by food processors for cleaning after a production run. The goal for validation of the cleaning process is to prove that it effectively removes particulates, residues, and microorganisms to a safe and satisfactory level. Per the Codex Alimentarius, verification is the application of methods, procedures, tests, and other evaluations, in addition to monitoring, to determine whether a control measure is or has been operating as intended. This presentation aims to cover the practical processes that food manufacturers should consider during validation and verification with regards to sanitation and provide an overview of methods that can be used to monitor hygiene and minimize allergen cross-contact in the facility environment.