PRO NO RPQP05

PROCEDURE FOR REV 01

CALIBRATION DATE 01-JUL-2023

PROCEDURE FOR CALIBRATION

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 PRO NO RPQP05
PROCEDURE FOR REV 01
CALIBRATION DATE 01-JUL-2023

AMENDMENT HISTORY

REV NO. ISSUE DATE REASON FOR CHANGES

01 01-JUL-2023 Updated the New logo

 PRO NO RPQP05
PROCEDURE FOR REV 01
CALIBRATION DATE 01-JUL-2023

Purpose & Scope

Consider all the instruments and devices that measure something in your facility. These
measurements may include temperature, weight, pressure, humidity, pH, salinity, and the list
continues. Each device has a purpose, and the resulting measurements are needed for monitoring
and managing the equipment or product. But what happens when these devices become inaccurate
and fail to provide precise results? Does your facility have an instrument calibration or accuracy check
program with procedures to verify that the devices are precise and accurate? Management should be
confident that their measuring devices are reading correctly. The following steps will help you
establish an instrument calibration procedure, or tune up your existing one.

Identify the Measuring Devices/Instruments

If the instruments do not have a manufacturer identification number, clearly mark each
device with a unique number by attaching an asset number tag, etching the device, or using another
labeling method. Identification by location (i.e., table scale) may be appropriate if there is only one of
the devices; however, a numbering system is recommended, especially if any of the following
circumstances apply:

 The device is the standard used to calibrate other devices (such as a NIST-certified
thermometer).
 The device is used to monitor a critical control point (CCP).
 Your facility has more than one of the devices. For example, table scales can be moved
easily and the same one may not necessarily be returned to the same location.

Assign a procedure number for the method of certification, calibration, and accuracy checks used for
each device. Documented procedures should include:

 How to conduct the check.

 Acceptable deviations/deviation range.
 Corrective action if the results are not within the accepted deviation range.
 Documentation requirements.

Determine Certification, Calibration, and Accuracy Check Requirements

Certification of Accuracy: The use of a recognized standard, such as calibration against the
National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST), is a regulatory requirement for some
segments of the food industry. The use of a NIST-certified device or certified-reference standards is
typical for most measuring devices, based on the critical nature of the measuring device accuracy,
Good Laboratory Practices, and other standards of the industry.
 PRO NO RPQP05
PROCEDURE FOR REV 01
CALIBRATION DATE 01-JUL-2023

At a minimum, the traceable reference standard should be recertified annually. Obtain and maintain
the documentation provided by the certification company. Note: for digital thermometers with
interchangeable probes, both the digital device and affiliated probe are to be recertified.

If an outside company is used to calibrate the devices, the resulting documentation should include
the NIST-certified standard’s identifying number.

Calibration: Calibration involves testing the device with two different measurements or standards,
typically just above and below the range of actual use. Examples include:

 Two different buffer solutions would be used to calibrate a pH meter (such as 4.0 and 7.0 if
the products being tested are at a range of 4.2 to 5.0).
 A thermometer would be checked against the NIST-certified thermometer at two
temperatures, such as ice chip (for cold) or oil tank (for hot) AND at room temperature.

Ensure the instrument is capable of handling the calibration standards. An extreme example
would be testing a sensitive table scale with a 100-pound weight. Similarly, a bi-metal or dial-type
thermometer can be damaged if exposed to rapid temperature extremes (such as plunging the probe
into ice water directly after being in a hot oil bath)

Frequency Determination: The frequency of conducting each type of accuracy check depends on
multiple factors, including:

 Regulatory requirements.
 Manufacturer’s recommendations.
 Industry standards/Good Laboratory Practices.
 Level of risk to product safety if the device is inaccurate.
 Inherent reliability. (For example, the least reliable types of thermometers are dial and bi-
metal probe thermometers, whereas most digital thermometers are fairly reliable.)
 Environment of use. Is the measuring device moved (e.g., table-top scale moved during
daily sanitation)?
 Potential abuse, such as receiving thermometers that may be put into pockets, sat on, etc.
 Historic information about accuracy/past performance.

Methodology

Each method of determining the accuracy of a measuring device is to have clearly outlined
procedures that an individual can follow with training. A key resource for accuracy `checks or
calibration procedures is the equipment manufacturer. These procedures do not necessarily need to
be elaborate
 PRO NO RPQP05
PROCEDURE FOR REV 01
CALIBRATION DATE 01-JUL-2023

Verification:

Verification encompasses at least four activities, including:

 A scheduled, periodic review of the associated records should be conducted by identified

management.
 Ensure the individual(s) doing the check/calibration are following the procedures and are
questioned about what they would do if the device was inaccurate.
 Ensure the procedures and acceptable deviation range remains valid.
 At a minimum, ensure the list of devices to be calibrated remains accurate. This list should
be reviewed annually and updated whenever a new measuring device is added or removed or the use
is changed for a particular purpose.

Documentation and Record Keeping

Remember the adage, “If it is not documented, it was not done.” A number of documents
have been identified, including the procedures for conducting the accuracy check/calibration, the
National Institute for Standards and Technology certification, the accuracy check/calibration findings
and potential corrective action, and record verification. The record retention schedule for these
documents should match any federal, state, local, or company requirements for the documents that
can recreate the history of the product.

Conclusion:

A Calibration Program is necessary to ensure that the instruments and devices used to
measure key processing or product parameters are accurate. These suggested steps will help any
food plant set up a program so they can rest easy knowing that their measuring devices are reading
correctly.

SL NO. DOCUMENTS /RECORD DESCRIPTION REFERENCE NO. RETENTION PERIOD

1 Calibration Plan RPQR01 Until next update