FE-2011-4 Condenser Unit Separation

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Item No. FE 2011-4(For NSF International internal use)

Issue document.doc

Joint Committee Issue Document

NOTE: An issue document may be submitted at any time it comprises two parts: the coversheet (this page) and a description of the issue to be submitted to the Joint Committee (followingpage). A separate issue form is required for each issue submitted. Issue papers include

proposals for modification of a standard, information reports and (of current research, etc.). Anissue paper shall be categorized as being for ACTION or for INFORMATION. Submitters shouldlimit the Issue Paper to 1 or 2 pages attachments detailing full recommendations or backgroundinformation may be attached with supplementary information. The Chairperson of the appropriateJoint Committee will respond within 30 days of receipt of the issue document advising what stepswill be taken. Any issue document intended for discussion at a Joint Committee meeting must bereceived at least 21 days prior to the meeting to ensure inclusion in the agenda.

Submit to:

NSF InternationalAttn: Standards Department

789 Dixboro Rd.Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105

Fax: 734-827-6831e-mail: [email protected]

Submitters contact information:

Name: Robert Almblad ____________________

Company: Origin Tech Center

Mailing Address:[email protected] 1137 Marina Drive

City: Tarpon Springs State: FL Zip Code: 34689

Telephone Number: 727 742 9064 E-mail:[email protected]

I hereby grant NSF International the non-exclusive, royalty free rights, includingnon-exclusive, royalty free rights in copyright; in this item and I understand that Iacquire no rights in any publication of NSF International in which this item in thisor another similar or analogous form is used.

Signature of Submitter *Robert Almblad ___________________ Date:September 6, 2011______

*Type written name will suffice as signature


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Issue document.doc

Please indicate if you wish the item to be considered as an action item or as aninformation item.

Action: Information:

NSF Standard(s) Impacted:NSF Standard 12

Issue Statement:Provide a concise statement of the issue, which reference as appropriate any specific section(s)of the standard(s) that are related to the issue.

NSF Standard 12 should include the following section of the FDA Fode Code:

4-204.18 Condenser Unit, Separation.

If a condenser unit is an integral component of EQUIPMENT, thecondenser unit shall be separated from the FOOD and FOODstorage space by a dustproof barrier.

Background:Provide a brief background statement indicating the cause and nature of concern, the impactsidentified relevant to public health, public understanding, etc, and any other reason why the issueshould be considered by the Committee.

We have measured considerable airflow through automated ice machine's foodzone while the condenser fan is operating. This is an unsanitary conditionbecause ice is food and it should not be treated this way. The author of the FDA

Food Code was correct in requiring a dustproof barrier because the condenserfan creates considerable negative or positive air pressure in the mechanical zonethat pushes or pulls particles into the food zone, making the ice dirty. Unlessthere is a dustproof barrier between the condenser unit and the food zone, asneeze near an ice machine will end up in the food zone.

The absence of a dustproof barrier is also a violation of this part of Standard 12:

"5.1.2 Equipment shall be designed and manufactured so that water intended forice production may be added, processed, and/or finished, so that ice may bedispensed, removed, and/or served in a sanitary manner."

It is not sanitary to pull or push air through the food zone.

The FDA Food Code has been adopted by the individual state's HealthDepartments and some state health inspectors are already citing restaurants forthis Code violation. For example:


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Issue document.doc

McDonald's, 13707 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Woodbridge, VA - Restaurantinspection findings and violations

1280 - The @Ice maker@ does not have a dustproof barrier between thecondenser unit and food or food contact surface.

Read more: http://www.city-data.com/va-restaurants/McDonald-s58.html#ixzz1UlrlCgOe

Recommendation:If action by the Joint Committee is being requested, clearly state what action is needed: e.g.,recommended changes to the standard(s) including the current text of the relevant section(s)indicating deletions by use of strike-out and additions by highlighting; e.g., reference of the issueto a Task Force for detailed consideration; etc. If recommended text changes are more than ahalf page, please attach a separate document.

This section should be added to Standard 12:

5.15.3 Condenser Unit, Separation.

If a condenser unit is an integral component of EQUIPMENT, thecondenser unit shall be separated from the FOOD and FOODstorage space by a dustproof barrier.

Supplementary Materials (photographs, diagrams, reports, etc.):If not provided electronically, the submitter will be responsible to have sufficient copies todistribute to committee members.

See attached slides: NSF FDA Food Code disclosure.ppt

Submitter: Robert Almblad ____________________ Date: Sept. 19, 2011

Documents

FE-2011-4 Condenser Unit Separation