Ozone Helps Water Bottlers Deliver Quality – ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

Older ozone systems may have difficulty maintaining desired set points. This problem has been attributed to manually controlled ozone generators and lack of proper monitoring technology. Without an in-line monitor driving the generator through a PID control, ozone levels are erratic. And without ambient monitoring, a bottling plant is at risk if there is an ozone leak, which could lead to EPA and OSHA air quality concerns.

Under the law, the FDA has the ability to charge food processors for the re-inspection of facilities that are found to be deficient during the routine first inspection.

Next Steps

Taking a staged or phased approach is key. Start by implementing a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan and recommend that the HACCP team leader take a certified HACCP training course as well as a course on the principles of internal auditing. NSF International offers several courses and a readiness tool to help prepare for the Food Safety Modernization Act (FMSA) regulations and implement an effective control program. FSMA has several requirements for facilities that are registered with the FDA.

Water bottlers are taking an unnecessary risk relying on antiquated equipment to produce ozone for water disinfection.

Bottlers must identify potential gaps in their food management safety systems and provide practical steps to develop and implement an effective control program. Upgrading the ozone disinfection program is a critical part of that process.

In the final analysis, there are many reasons why water bottlers should upgrade old equipment. But the most important one is meeting customers’ expectations for product quality and safety.

Malo is global business manager for NSF International’s Beverage Quality Program. She serves as Chairman of Education and Audit Committee of Watercoolers Europe, represents NSF for the European Federation of Bottled Water, and is a member of Audit Committee of European Ice Packaging Association. Reach her at [email protected].