With a new year comes new resolutions. We endeavor to set new goals and envision ensuing possibilities for improving performance throughout the facility. With a new year also comes another Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) audit. For quality assurance (QA) managers and directors looking for ways to improve efficiencies, especially in preparing for audits, the new year brings a new solution:  

The MVP ICON® is a complete HACCP management system that combines high-sensitivity bioluminescent detection with room-stable sampling swabs that are resistant to sanitizer interference, allowing for fast, accurate detection of low levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) on surfaces after cleaning, and even after sanitizing. But for QA managers, the real value lies in the system’s ability to measure other parameters, such as chemical concentration, pH and temperature; present up-to-date visual performance indicators; and most importantly, provide audit-ready reporting. Unlike other ATP systems, which only measure and store ATP data, the MVP ICON offers QA managers time savings and peace of mind, knowing their hygiene-monitoring program is effective, in control and compliant, with the added benefit of being able to demonstrate the program’s effectiveness with relevant, print-ready reports.

For most ATP systems, the data management software is nothing more than simplified bar graphs/charts, pivot tables and raw data views that QA managers must spend time organizing in a meaningful way. But with the ICON Dashboard software, dedicated widgets and graphs instantly provide a clear, color-coded indication of key performance indicators, like Pass/Warn/Fail and Re-Test rates, by test point over user-adjustable time frames. These automatic reports can be quickly generated in preparation for an audit, saving countless hours of data manipulation and preparation.

Validating Chemical Concentration As Part of GMPs
In addition to ATP testing, sanitation managers need to verify and document that their cleaning and sanitizing chemicals are consistently prepared at the correct concentrations to ensure optimal performance. Prepared at too low a concentration, chemicals may be ineffective and can result in growth of unwanted microorganisms. And chemicals prepared at too high a concentration could result in unnecessary increases in chemical expenditures and adverse effects on equipment and food contact surfaces, and may even serve as adulterants.

Using the ICON Conductivity probe, sanitation managers quickly and accurately measure and validate that each batch of chemical standard used has been prepared at correct and effective concentrations. When synched to the ICON Dashboard, measurements from all parameters are downloaded from the ICON instrument for storage, tracking and reporting.

According to one HACCP manager of a ready-to-eat meat processor, “I knew a more accurate measurement of our sanitizers would be useful, but I had no idea it would prove its value so quickly. I estimate I’m using 35% fewer sanitizers than before I started using the Conductivity probe. Overusing sanitizers by that much runs into big expense. I’m very pleased with the results.”

As an alternative method, test strips can be less precise and are subject to incorrect visual interpretation. And other alternate methods, like titration kits and inline chemical injectors, are laborious and/or require lots of maintenance.

No-Muss, No-Fuss, Audit-Ready Reporting
In addition to ready-made corrective action and trending reports, the ICON Dashboard software also provides QA managers with four audit-ready HACCP reports that include numeric and graphical data: Sample Plan Summary, Test Point Frequency, ATP Swab Usage Count and Calibrations/Verifications.

All reports are user-adjustable to a desired date range or calendar frequency, as well as customizable to include corporate name and logo information on printouts. In addition, the ICON Dashboard software database can be stored on a local PC, or on a network shared drive where backup of the server data is done routinely.

Unlike other ATP systems on the market that require return-to-factory calibration or intensive calibration testing, the MVP ICON is the only multi-parameter hygiene-monitoring system that allows complete on-site, anytime instrument calibration using the MVP ICON Calibrator Rods. Calibrations are quick and simple to complete, and results can be synched to the ICON Dashboard software. The date of last calibration is displayed on the instrument screen as well as in an ICON Dashboard widget. Come audit time, QA managers can instantly produce a complete print-ready PDF report of calibration and verification records for each ICON instrument.

Take the Next Step
To learn more about the full capabilities of the MVP ICON system and how easy it is to integrate into your hygiene and sanitation program, contact BioControl Systems at 800.245.0113, info@biocontrolsys.com or www.biocontrolsys.com.