June 1, 2018

Understanding Color-Coding Basics - FSMA / HACCP Compliance

Let’s talk color-coding! It’s important to understand why breweries should consider using it and why its benefits go beyond helping to satisfy new food safety regulations. Color-coding has always been practical and widely used by the food processing industry. In the wake of more stringent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations (see the Food Safety and Modernization Act (FSMA) of 2011) and beer being designated as “food’, it is now becoming a key component for comprehensive food safety plans for breweries. Instead of simply keeping your breweries floors, drains, tanks and tubes clean, new regulations are requiring you show a well thought out and implemented plan for food safety. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) procedures are the basis for food safety plans and color-coding is a highly regarding and important part. Read more about HACCP and other food safety info.

What is Color-Coding?

Color-coding is designating certain colors for tools that should be used in different zones or uses (floors/drains, direct food contact areas such as tanks/tubes, different types of brews, etc.)
Color-coding isn’t required by law, but it is looked upon favorably by FDA inspection auditors, as part of a well thought out food safety plan
Color-coding plans are easy to use and easy to remember
There is no industry standard regarding where colors should be used, so color-coding can be implemented in a way that makes the most sense to your brewery

Benefits of Color-Coding

Safety	Minimizes the risk of cross-contamination from allergens and pathogens
Practical	Divides processes into zones or tasks
Efficient	Allows for quick visual confirmation of correct tool for the correct use
Quality Tools	Color-coded, FDA-compliant tools are hygienically designed and easier to clean
Quality Control	Prevents quality lapses before they happen
Traceability	Helps identify the source of a contamination (tool in the wrong zone, wrong use, loose bristle)
Tool Management	Helps identify when tools are not in the right location or when tools have gone missing
Communication	Eliminates language barriers and ease of training staff
Compliance	Helps with FDA and HACCP compliance, showing FDA inspectors commitment to food safety regulations

Ideal Color-Coded Products

A fully color-coded line of products will give you a wide assortment of tools to choose from – you will be sure to get like colors across all the items you need for designated zones or uses.
“Total color” is another important feature. Using total-color tools (e.g. block and bristles match, handles match “heads”) allows for no question as to designated colors and are often indication of additional levels of sanitation (e.g. single injection molding prevent bacteria getting trapped).

Union Jack provides top quality, FDA-compliant and hygienically designed tools in up to 12 colors. Most of our tools come in 5 core colors (green, blue, red, white and yellow), and many others come in more unique options (pink, orange, purple), plus black which is typically designated for floor uses. We also offer “total color” options, many with extra levels of sanitation built in to protect against trapped contagions and hazards such as loose bristles. All of our color-coded tools are designed for easy cleaning.

Get Started Now!

Even the most basic color-coding plan can have a big impact on your brewery’s sanitation and compliance. Check out our article on 7 Steps to Color-Coding in Your Brewery to help prepare you for regulation and compliance requirements while also creating a safe and sanitary environment to create your favorite brews.

Union Jack

Keeping it Clean Since 2006

Previous article Cannabis Industry Faces High Expectations for Food Safety