Module 4 - Materials Handling Storage and Distribution Q. Isn't the sealing of bags with hot glue a threat to food safety? A. The sealing of bags with hot melt adhesive is safe under strict controls on its use, handling and storage. There is a risk of product contamination if the recommended controls are not in place. The product contains the chemicals Ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, Wax and resin and is supplied in small granules or slats. If the granules in their solid form are ingested it is advised that medical help should be sought, for this reason a risk assessment must be undertaken to ensure there is no threat to food safety from the packing process. Following the risk assessment some millers have reverted back from glue to stitching as their preferred method of bag closer. Product Data Major Use Specialised packaging applications where a fast hot tack development, coupled with a high final bond strength is required. Hazard Identification The adhesive consists mainly of high polymers, waxes and resins, provided it is handled with care and as long as good standards of industrial and personal hygiene are practiced, it should not present any undue hazard. Health Hazards identified Fumes should not be inhaled, use in well ventilated area. The adhesive should not be ingested. If ingestion occurs seek medical help Molten adhesive must not be allowed to come into contact with skin. Use gloves when loading hot melt tanks. Molten adhesive can cause serious eye injury. Wearing of goggles is recommended when working with molten adhesive. Q. Given the problems with manual handling, why do millers still supply flour in bags? A. There are numerous factors why millers supply flour in bags to customers, here are three:- The customers process Flour Export Specialty flours 1 The customers process / bakery may be small with no means to install a bulk silo, bagged flour can be packed in exact weights as a part of their recipe. In-store bakeries are a good example where bags would preferred over bulk deliveries, flour can be distributed from RDC to any number of stores when needed, like most free trade or ISB's they carry a selection of different types of flour from a range of suppliers, they could not or would not hold lots of different types in numerous silos at each store. 2 Flour for export is handled easer in bags, pallets would be used in the transportation overseas . 3 Some Specialty flours need special packaging where fats and other special ingredients are used. Granary type flours would separate if transported in bulk leaving the customer with an inconsistent product.Bags weights are ever decreasing following the risks involved with manual handling, the 32kg pack is now steadily being replaced by 16kg, the 25kg and the 10kg is also becoming more popular. This adds additional cost to the miller in packing time and packaging costs, if it was possible to deliver all flour products in bulk I'm sure the miller would respond with open arms.   close window