Your SSOPs should, at a minimum, directly address the eight sanitation monitoring areas required by the FDA regulation. From these, develop an audit procedure and checklist for recording observations. Where possible, substantiate the record with objective measurements such as sanitizer concentration from test strips. To confirm adequate cleaning and sanitation, consider using contact plates. These are simple, disposable devices used to estimate the number of microorganisms on plant surfaces.
Low numbers indicate the use of effective cleaning procedures.
A log of results provides a valuable record of sanitary control and identifies areas requiring additional attention. Contact plates or other microbiological growth media require careful handling and disposal. Gloves and outer garments that contact food or food-contact surfaces are made of an impermeable material and are kept clean and sanitary. The company will issue line workers rubber aprons and work gloves. The line supervisor will ensure that his or her employees are issued this gear.