Abstract
Implementing a traceability plan in an herbal production plant is a complex task. In this study an attempt to integrate food safety, quality and traceability through the different stages of the organic German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) production chain was made. First, all the current relevant international laws, regulations and standards regarding traceability, safety and quality, with emphasis on how and why they are necessary for any food production chain, were set forward. Second, physico-chemical and microbiological analyses were run throughout the different processing stages of production, for four different Chamomile batches produced over the same season using the same farming and processing practices throughout the production process. Third, collective data for four batches were gathered to evaluate and confirm the safety, quality, reliability and effectiveness of the processing chain and to pin point any defects, product information leaks or production risks, from occurring. Last but not least, an attempt for a cost effective, up to date traceability plan, including regular assessments, audits, evaluations and updates, was designed and recommended as a continuous protocol to be followed by the production Company thereafter. All analyses followed the latest ISO standards, WHO and the European Pharmacopeia procedural guidelines and limits respectively. Results revealed that the Chamomile organic herb conforms and complies with above standards but an upgraded traceability plan is needed to trace and/track product batches at any point in time during/after the processing chain. The recommended plan would serve as a guide for further products produced by the same Company as well as other ongoing traceability efforts in other food companies nationwide.
School
School of Sciences and Engineering
Department
Chemistry Department
Degree Name
MS in Chemistry
Graduation Date
Spring 6-14-2014
Submission Date
12-1-2023
First Advisor
Necla Demir
Second Advisor
Adham Ramadan
Third Advisor
Michael Kontominas
Committee Member 1
Hussein Mansour
Committee Member 2
Ola Al-Sakka
Committee Member 3
Tamer Shoeib
Extent
143p.
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval
Approval has been obtained for this item
Recommended Citation
APA Citation
Ibrahim, S. A.
(2014).Traceability Implementation in Organic Farming: Case Study, Chamomile Tea Production [Master's Thesis, the American University in Cairo]. AUC Knowledge Fountain.
https://fount.aucegypt.edu/etds/2310
MLA Citation
Ibrahim, Shaima Abdelfattah. Traceability Implementation in Organic Farming: Case Study, Chamomile Tea Production. 2014. American University in Cairo, Master's Thesis. AUC Knowledge Fountain.
https://fount.aucegypt.edu/etds/2310
Included in
Food Biotechnology Commons, Food Chemistry Commons, Food Microbiology Commons, Food Processing Commons