Progress 09/15/04 to 09/14/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Due to some of the results from the assessment of tanker wash stations, it was necessary to evaluate the performance of the CIP devices prior to validating the wash protocol. A wash protocol cannot be properly validated if the CIP device cannot distribute the wash solutions properly. A CIP device that does not perform adequately may give misleading wash protocol results. Proper CIP device performance was based on whether the device was able to distribute the cleaning fluids to all internal areas of the tanker. The following three representative devices were evaluated: 1. Rotating, Low Volume, High pressure (R-LVHP): The tanker wash facility typical conditions were 20 - 26 gallons per minute (gpm) at 500- 1200 psi (pressure measured at the pump discharge) with a 40 to 60 psi turret speed (shaft speed of 18 - 23 rpm). 2. Rotating, High Volume, Medium Pressure (R-HVMP: The tanker wash facility typical conditions were 95 - 110 gpm at 150 to 250 psi (pressure measured at the pump discharge) and a turret speed based on flow. Turret speed was visually measured at 16 rpm at 95 gpm and 200 psi. 3. Static, High Volume, Medium Pressure (S-HVMP): The tanker wash facility typical conditions were 95 gpm at 90 psi (pressure measured at the pump discharge). This unit does not turn (static). Guidelines were developed from the manufacturers' per the JPA wash guidelines to characterize flow rates and pressures. This guideline does depend on the device since some high volume devices consider 31-60 gpm a low flow sprayer. To collect the cleaning fluids that were sent by the CIP device, sluices and funnels were attached to the tanker's stainless steel barrel walls with stainless steel screws at 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, and 22 feet from the spray device. Location 22 was the bulkhead with two sample sites, 22c and 22t which were the bulkhead center and top respectively. The top edges of the sluices were caulked to ensure that all fluids were directed to the funnels. The funnels were connected to one-half inch PVC tubes which were directed to the rear of the tanker and into tared, labeled pails. As the wash cycle (15 minutes minimum) was run, the fluids at each location were collected. At the end of the wash run, the pails were weighed and the flow rate at each location from the CIP device was determined. Inoculum for these experiments 30Brix (final) orange juice with the added microorganisms, given the nature of potential Type 2 residues. Type 4 residues were simulated with an inoculum of pasteurized milk, pasteurized liquid egg, peanut butter, and broth with the added microorganisms. All material was sprayed onto the stainless steel using proper safety procedures. PARTICIPANTS: This research involves collaborative efforts with industry, particularly the food tanker transport companies that have provided field facilities, as well as juice processing and packing companies. Sanitation protocols used in this study were developed by quality control personnel from member companies of the Juice Products Association. TARGET AUDIENCES: This research serves the food processing industry, primarily juice processors and packers, but also those industies (dairy, baking, etc.) that rely on the sanitary bulk transport of liquid food products. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
This study will develop and validate cleaning protocols to ensure that tankers of adequate sanitary quality are used for food transport. The expected impact is a reduction in risk associated with foods moved in bulk quantities in tanker trucks. This will provide a scientific basis for cleaning and sanitizing protocols to be utilized in industrial situations. The study will also produce extension and education products to relay this information to stakeholders. Research findings from preliminary work has resulted in adoption of more effective sanitation procedures and documentation in the past year, as measured by industry self-reporting and third party audits. We expect this type of overall procedural improvement to positively affect food safety and sanitation practices within the bulk liquid food transportation industry. Observationsl results have been incorporated into industry training regarding the incorporation of proper tanker truck sanitation into Juice HACCP Regulation-consistent specifications.
Publications
- Winniczuk, P., Ehsani, R., Schneider, K. and Goodrich, R. 2008. Evaluation and Optimization of Cleaning System Equipment Performance. Journal of Food Processing. In preparation.
- Winniczuk, P., Parish, M., and Schneider, K. and Goodrich-Schneider, R. 2008. Industry sanitation protocols for food tankers. Journal of Food Protection. In preparation.
- Winniczuk, P. 2008. Determination of Effectiveness of Sanitary Food-grade Tanker Sanitation Protocols. University of Florida Doctoral Dissertation. In preparation.
- Winniczuk, P. and Goodrich-Schneider, R. 2008. Liquid Food Transport Tanker Sanitation. International Citrus and Beverage Conference, Clearwater Beach, FL. September 19, 2008.
- Validation of standardized tanker truck sanitation procedures. 2008. Goodrich, R., Winniczuk, P., Parish, M., and Schneider, K. IFT Annual Meeting Scientific Program. New Orleans, LA. July 1, 2008.
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Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Results in the field during the last reporting time period indicated that there were some deficiencies in cleaning, despite apparent adherence to procedures on the part of the facilities. For example, in survey field work evaluating 12 tankers, that had undergone either Type 2 or Type 4 washes, at least one sample point in every tanker was positive for either microorganisms or allergens (data presented in previous reports). Pilot Plant Equipment and Cleaning Validation. Due to some of the results from the assessment of tanker wash stations, it was necessary to evaluate the performance of the CIP devices prior to validating the wash protocol. A wash protocol cannot be properly validated if the CIP device cannot distribute the wash solutions properly. A CIP device that does not perform adequately may give misleading wash protocol results. Proper CIP device performance was based on whether the device was able to distribute the cleaning fluids to all internal areas of the
tanker. The following three representative devices were evaluated: 1. Rotating, Low Volume, High pressure (R-LVHP): The tanker wash facility typical conditions were 20 - 26 gallons per minute (gpm) at 500- 1200 psi (pressure measured at the pump discharge) with a 40 to 60 psi turret speed (shaft speed of 18 - 23 rpm). 2. Rotating, High Volume, Medium Pressure (R-HVMP: The tanker wash facility typical conditions were 95 - 110 gpm at 150 to 250 psi (pressure measured at the pump discharge) and a turret speed based on flow. Turret speed was visually measured at 16 rpm at 95 gpm and 200 psi. 3. Static, High Volume, Medium Pressure (S-HVMP): The tanker wash facility typical conditions were 95 gpm at 90 psi (pressure measured at the pump discharge). This unit does not turn (static). Guidelines were developed from the manufacturers' per the JPA wash guidelines to characterize flow rates and pressures. This guideline does depend on the device since some high volume devices consider 31-60 gpm
a low flow sprayer. To collect the cleaning fluids that were sent by the CIP device, sluices and funnels were attached to the tanker's stainless steel barrel walls with stainless steel screws at 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, and 22 feet from the spray device. Location 22 was the bulkhead with two sample sites, 22c and 22t which were the bulkhead center and top respectively. The top edges of the sluices were caulked to ensure that all fluids were directed to the funnels. The funnels were connected to one-half inch PVC tubes which were directed to the rear of the tanker and into tared, labeled pails. As the wash cycle (15 minutes minimum) was run, the fluids at each location were collected. At the end of the wash run, the pails were weighed and the flow rate at each location from the CIP device was determined. Inoculum for these experiments 30Brix (final) orange juice with the added microorganisms, given the nature of potential Type 2 residues. Type 4 residues were simulated
with an inoculum of pasteurized milk, pasteurized liquid egg, peanut butter, and broth with the added microorganisms. All material was sprayed onto the stainless steel using proper safety procedures.
PARTICIPANTS: This research involves collaborative efforts with industry, particularly the food tanker transport companies that have provided field facilities, as well as juice processing and packing companies. Sanitation protocols used in this study were developed by quality control personnel from member companies of the Juice Products Association.
TARGET AUDIENCES: This research serves the food processing industry, primarily juice processors and packers, but also those industies (dairy, baking, etc.) that rely on the sanitary bulk transport of liquid food products.
Impacts
This study will develop and validate cleaning protocols to ensure that tankers of adequate sanitary quality are used for food transport. The expected impact is a reduction in risk associated with foods moved in bulk quantities in tanker trucks. This will provide a scientific basis for cleaning and sanitizing protocols to be utilized in industrial situations. The study will also produce extension and education products to relay this information to stakeholders. Research findings from preliminary work has resulted in adoption of more effective sanitation procedures and documentation in the past year, as measured by industry self-reporting and third party audits. We expect this type of overall procedural improvement to positively affect food safety and sanitation practices within the bulk liquid food transportation industry. Observationsl results have been incorporated into industry training regarding the incorporation of proper tanker truck sanitation into Juice HACCP
Regulation-consistent specifications.
Publications
- Winnicauk, P., and Goodrich Schneider. 2007. Allergen and microbial assessment of pre-cleaned food grade tankers. IFT National Meeting. Abstract 228-06. Chicago, IL. July 2007.
- Winniczuk, P., Schneider, K. and Goodrich, R. 2007. Validation of tanker truck sanitation systems' performance to achieve standardized protocol parameters. Florida Cooperative Extension Juice HACCP Training Guide. Lake Alfred, FL. May 2007.
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Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06
Outputs
Over-the-road food grade tankers require cleaning and sanitizing on a regular basis to ensure the quality and safety of the transported food products. Improperly cleaned tankers have been implicated in several foodborne disease outbreaks. Properly cleaned and sanitized tankers are an integral part of the juice HACCP regulation when juice products are transported in bulk. The current research consisted of a survey of the tanker cleaning protocols at various tanker wash facilities for incidence of microbial and milk allergen presence before and after standard accepted cleaning sanitation procedures. The incidence of detection of fecal coliforms, E. coli, and allergens was evaluated using standard methods. Tankers were swabbed at specific sites before and after cleaning/sanitation procedures. Allergen recovery on stainless steel was relatively low (range 1 to 5 ppm per 100 sq cm) while on non-stainless steel surfaces (rubber gaskets, Teflon seals, plastic vents) were
higher (range 1 to 75 ppm per 100 sq cm). The presence of E.coli and fecal coliforms was higher (over 10% of total tankers in at least one swabbed area) than expected, and indicates some inadequacies of either practices or procedures. Removal or disinfection of microorganisms appears to be easier than the removal of potential allergens. In both cases, specific personnel practices appear to contribute to non-optimal cleaning and sanitation. Many liquid foods are transported around the country by bulk food grade tankers. Despite the large volumes of foods transported in bulk tanker trucks, transportation has been an overlooked aspect of food safety and biosecurity. Normal elements of pathogen and allergen control that are utilized by a food processor may not be present in the liquid tanker transport system. Juice processors often rely on independent tanker truck companies to provide clean tankers to transport foods locally and long distances. A few trucking companies have their own tank
wash facilities, while many others rely on independent tanker wash stations in various parts of the U.S. to provide this service. Tanker washing protocols are not standardized and are inconsistently applied. Few published studies have been conducted to investigate tanker cleanliness and sanitation. Since there have been tanker-specific safety issues in the past, concerns have been raised about the potential for contamination of tankers with microorganisms or allergens from a previous load. One particular tanker mediated outbreak in 1994 resulted in 743 cases of salmonellosis and a nationwide recall of product. Restrictions on tanker transport of juices have been implemented by the State of Florida and FDA.
Impacts
This study will develop and validate cleaning protocols to ensure that tankers of adequate sanitary quality are used for food transport. The expected impact is a reduction in risk associated with foods moved in bulk quantities in tanker trucks. This will provide a scientific basis for cleaning and sanitizing protocols. The study will also produce extension and education products to relay this information to stakeholders. Research findings from preliminary work has resulted in adoption of more effective sanitation procedures and documentation in the past year, as measured by industry self-reporting and third party audits. We expect this type of overall procedural improvement to positively affect food safety and sanitation practices within the bulk liquid food transportation industry.
Publications
- Winnickuk, P., Goodrich, R., and Parish. 2006. Sanitation Assessment of Food Grade Tankers. Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL. 27 June 2006.
- Goodrich, R., Winniczuk, P., Parish, M., and Schneider, K. 2006. Validation of proposed industry sanitation protocols for liquid food tankers. In preparation.
- Winniczuk, P. and Goodrich, R.M. 2006. Evaluation of Hold Times for Cleaned Food Transport Tankers. Citrus Processors and Subtropical Technology Conference Abstracts, Lake Alfred, FL. p. 36. http://www.crec.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/processors/abstract.htm
- Winniczuk, P. and Goodrich, R. 2006. Sanitation Hot-spots in Liquid Food Tankers. Second Interntional Sanitation Syposium, Florida Section IFT Suppliers Expo. Tampa, FL. 8 March 2006.
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Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05
Outputs
Goals of this study are to evaluate the current state of tanker sanitation procedures and to provide a blue-print for mitigation strategies that will enhance the safety of liquid food products transported in bulk tankers. Specific study objectives are: 1. To assess and validate the effectiveness of commercial wash protocols recommended for the food transport industry to control microorganisms and allergenic compounds. The first phase will emphasize evaluation of current wash protocols and recommended wash protocols at tanker wash stations, 2. To produce extension/outreach products and workshops for appropriate stakeholders, and 3. To produce education materials for appropriate stakeholders. The clean-in-place (CIP) systems are to be validated as to the impact and spray patterns. Current protocol is to inoculate tankers with a non-pathogenic microbial and allergen mix at specific sampling points. The tankers are then washed with all parameters well-controlled. Swabs
are taken before the tanker is inoculated, after the inoculum has dried, and after cleaning/sanitizing. Also, samples of the cleaning solutions, sanitizer, and rinse waters are taken on regular intervals and evaluated for microorganisms and allergens. Tank washes are accomplished by first removing all removable parts (rear valve, hatch gasket and vent) for manual cleaning. The next step is to drain/scrape the previous food product from the tanker. The tanker inside is then manually cleaned with a high pressure water cleaning wand. The next step is to place a CIP wand into the tanker and run a CIP cycle based on the previous load. Previous loads will dictate the wash protocol (i.e., the maximum temperatures and cleaning times) that is required for that specific cleaning. The CIP cycle includes the pre-rinse, hot soapy wash, hot water rinse, cool water rinse, and a final sanitizer rinse. If needed, a final potable water rinse is performed. The manual cleaning of parts should be done
with care and the following procedures should be addressed in standardized protocols. Cleaning should be done with a brush or green pad and plenty of warm soapy water. Ideally, the water should be warm (37-42C). For sugar solutions (including juices) the warm water allows the sugars to be solubilized faster. In the case of fat-containing products such as milk, cream, and eggs, the warm water is used to ensure fats are melted. If fats are not in the liquid state, they tend to smear on the surface and are not easily removed. All parts should be rinsed well with potable water prior to sanitizer treatment. The potable water rinse removes suspended soils and soap. Microbiology and allergenic issues can occur when the soap is not properly rinsed off the parts. The soap can interact with the sanitizer reducing the sanitizer effectiveness. Residual soap can be the source of microbial or allergenic contamination. COP soaps should be replaced on a regular basis to ensure microbial counts do not
cause excessive issues. Product should be used at the concentrations recommended by the manufacturer.
Impacts
Tanker transport of liquid foods is currently receiving close scrutiny by regulatory and industry officials. Appropriate methods for tanker cleaning and sanitation efforts have not previously been investigated in a comprehensive manner. This study will develop and validate cleaning protocols to ensure that tankers of adequate sanitary quality are used for food transport. The expected impact is a reduction in risk associated with foods moved in bulk quantities in tanker trucks. This will provide a scientific basis for cleaning and sanitizing protocols. The study will also produce extension and education products to relay this information to stakeholders. Research findings from preliminary work has resulted in adoption of more effective sanitation procedures and documentation in the past year, as measured by industry self-reporting and third party audits. We expect this type of overall procedural improvement to positively affect food safety and sanitation practices
within the bulk liquid food transportation industry.
Publications
- Goodrich, R.M., Schneider, K.R. and Parish, M.E. (Eds.) 2005. Tanker sanitation basics. Workshop Handbook, Industry Training Series. Lake Alfred, FL.
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Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/04
Outputs
Goals of this study are to evaluate the current state of tanker sanitation procedures and to provide a blue-print for mitigation strategies that will enhance the safety of liquid food products transported in bulk tankers. Specific study objectives are: 1. To assess and validate the effectiveness of commercial wash protocols recommended for the food transport industry to control microorganisms and allergenic compounds. The first phase will emphasize evaluation of current wash protocols and recommended wash protocols at tanker wash stations. Based upon these results further testing will be conducted to evaluate possible modifications of wash methods for efficiency enhancement. Phase two will evaluate the sanitary conditions of cleaned tankers allowed to sit idle for up to 4 days. Phase three will evaluate recommended modified protocols using preinoculated tankers. 2. To produce extension/outreach products and workshops for appropriate stakeholders. 3. To produce
educational products for appropriate stakeholders. This study was recently funded and activity thus far is limited to protocol development and acquisition of supplies and equipment.
Impacts
Tanker transport of liquid foods is currently receiving close scrutiny by regulatory and industry officials. Appropriate methods for tanker cleaning and sanitation efforts have not previously been investigated in a comprehensive manner. This study will develop and validate cleaning protocols to ensure that tankers of adequate sanitary quality are used for food transport. The expected impact is a reduction in risk associated with foods moved in bulk quantities in tanker trucks. This will provide a scientific basis for cleaning and sanitizing protocols. The study will also produce extension and education products to relay this information to stakeholders.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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