Guidelines for Water Quality in Food Production
Ensuring Drinking Quality Water Supply
Water used in food production must meet drinking quality standards:
- Ensure adequate supply of drinking quality water to prevent food contamination.
- View water as a food component; store, dispense, and use it safely.
- Keep sinks and taps clean, free from chemicals that could taint food.
Separate Systems for Non-Drinking Water
Non-drinking quality water used for specific purposes must be managed separately:
- Use separate and identified systems for purposes like fire control, steam production, and refrigeration.
- Avoid connections with systems for drinking quality water to prevent contamination.
Recycled Water Standards
If recycled water is used, ensure it does not pose contamination risks:
- Ensure recycled water meets the same standard as drinking quality water, unless local authority approval is obtained.
- Must not affect the safety of food in its finished form.
Safe Handling of Ice
Ice used in contact with food must meet drinking quality standards:
- Ensure ice made from drinking quality water when in contact with food or used in drinks.
- Handle and store ice to prevent contamination.
- Service and maintain ice machines to ensure ice quality and hygiene.
Steam Quality and Food Contact
Steam used directly with food must be free from hazardous substances:
- Avoid substances that could contaminate food through steam contact.
Heat Treatment and Water Quality
After heating food in hermetically sealed containers, ensure cooling water does not contaminate food:
- Use cooling water that is not a source of contamination for the food.
Maintenance of Water Dispensers
Water dispensers and fountains must be maintained to ensure safe drinking water:
- Service and clean dispensers according to manufacturer's recommendations.
- Report any faults or issues to management promptly.
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