To maintain food safety and meet audit standards, food and beverage processing cleaning programs require validation and verification.
Validation of cleaning programs require scientific proof that a process works. If there are changes to the process which may significantly impact efficacy (e.g. a change in equipment or chemicals, the introduction of a new ingredient or product), the process may need to be re-validated.
Verification of cleaning programs follow validation and require scientific proof that the control measures have been implemented as designed. In other words, they are in place, are being followed according to plan and are being carried out consistently.
Validation should be conducted at least annually or when a significant changes are made to the product, process, chemistry or equipment. Verification needs to be done consistently and frequently.