HACCP standard thanks to GRP surfaces
LAMILUX HACCP Gelcoat: Plastic sheets for food contact
Refrigerated bodies with roofs and side walls made of fibre-reinforced composites (GRP) create optimal conditions for a temperature-controlled system that complies with the HACCP standard. LAMILUX has now developed a Gelcoat that conforms to HACCP certification for both direct and indirect food contact.
In the context of carrying out risk assessment of the internal walls of cold stores and transport companies, TÜV Süd has defined specific criteria for HACCP certification. These include the testing of the materials used for food safety for direct long-term contact, in accordance with the European Regulation (EC) no. 1935/2004 and the German Food, Commodities and Feed Code (LFGB).
LAMILUX has now developed a Gelcoat for glass-fibre-reinforced composites that meets these criteria. The key feature: The Gelcoat can be applied to all GRP grades during the production of the material. This additional function makes the robust side walls and extremely light constructions particularly suitable for transporting foodstuffs. HACCP Gelcoat is approved for direct long-term contact with meat under refrigerated conditions, such as in a meat trailer.
What is HACCP?
Since 2006, only foods that have always been handled in a HACCP-compliant manner can be traded within or imported into the EU. This applies to processing in companies and also to transport, storage and sale, and it has to be documented. In practice, this involves general hygiene measures such as cleaning surfaces, incoming goods inspections and pest control, as well as the materials with which food is wrapped or even comes into contact. Within the European Union, it is not obligatory to have HACCP certification, but Regulation 852/2004 requires that "one or more permanent procedures based on HACCP principles is established, implemented and maintained".