8. Interpreting the results
The cleaning has achieved its desired results when both the product and food contact surfaces are free from allergens. Conversely, the detection of allergens in the product as well as on food contact surfaces indicates that the cleaning has not achieved its desired results, meaning that the site must amend some aspect of the cleaning program to improve results before rerunning the validation
Within the risk assessment, the following are important.
Cross-contamination from the food contact surface to the food involves a transfer coefficient. Not all allergens present on the surface will transfer to the food. In practice, the transfer coefficient of the allergen to the foodstuff, and the area of the food contact surface touched by the portion size before it is packed will be unknown.
Product testing- Involves macerating the product sample in a large volume of diluent to detect if allergen present on a food surface is a significant allergen contamination.
