Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
7.4.2.3
Shelf Life
The importance of shelf life management should not be overlooked particularly in
the context of chilled, perishable foods. Most modern depots and distribution net-
works have sophisticated systems for managing stock fl ow within their respective
networks. The key to this is inventory management linked to batch and coding infor-
mation. Verifi cation of shelf life usually occurs at handover points, i.e., delivery to
depot and integrated systems manage the picking of stock in appropriate rotation.
Where such systems are not in place and reliance is placed on manual systems, it is
essential that shelf life management is a key driver of stock picking both for safety
reasons and also for quality and sustainability, i.e., to avoid waste.
7.4.3
Physical
7.4.3.1
Infestation
Probably the greatest contamination risk during storage and transportation comes
from infestation hazards including rodents, birds, insects and fl ies. Most depots by
their very nature are prone to infestation due to being large, open spaces fi lled with
foods, many of which may be held for long periods and with access points into the
depot through large openings at either end (delivery and despatch loading bays). In
terms of offi cial legislation within Europe, Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 (Anon.
2004a
) simply stipulates that “Adequate procedures are to be in place to control pests”.
Each depot should have a pest control programme to reduce the potential for
entry of pests, to reduce the likelihood of infestation once introduced, to monitor
pest activity and to eradicate pests. Reducing the potential for entry starts with
design and build of the facility including the use of elevated loading bays to reduce
rodent access, strip curtains to minimise bird and fl ying insect entry and fully fi tting
loading bay doors, kept closed when not in use. It is also important to consider risks
outside of the depot itself, therefore depots close to rivers and streams will have
increased rodent risks, especially from rats and poorly maintained sewerage and
drains which provide similar potential risk, and all these need to be taken into con-
sideration to prevent entry. Managing the perimeter of the depot is essential in
reducing pest activity with large clear, concreted borders being the gold standard in
providing a less hospitable environment for pests.
Simple measures will signifi cantly reduce the entry of many pests, but the entry
of some is inevitable in such units and it is important that plans are in place to moni-
tor and manage any infestation.
Once inside a depot, pests will only thrive if they have access to food, water and
shelter. Therefore, simple measures such as effective clean as you go operations
signifi cantly diminish the availability of food and deprive the invader of nourish-
ment. While stock rotation is simple good practice for supply chain management,
it is also important in preventing harbourage points for insects and rodents in par-
