Storing Snus and Nicotine pouches
### Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Storing Snus & Nicotine Pouches at 3.5°C
#### 1. Purpose
To ensure the proper storage of Snus and Nicotine Pouches at 3.5°C while maintaining optimal humidity levels to preserve freshness, moisture, and flavour.
#### 2. Scope
This SOP applies to all staff responsible for storing and handling Snus and Nicotine Pouches in refrigeration units.
#### 3. Responsibilities
- Staff must follow proper storage and humidity control procedures.
- Management must ensure refrigeration units are functioning correctly and regularly maintained.
- Inventory control personnel must monitor stock rotation, expiry dates, and product quality.
---
### 4. Storage Procedure
#### 4.1 Preparation
- Inspect all Snus and Nicotine Pouch containers before storage to ensure they are sealed and undamaged.
- Wipe off any external moisture or contamination from packaging.
- Label all new stock with arrival date and expiry date.
#### 4.2 Storage Conditions
- Store Snus and Nicotine Pouches at a stable temperature of 3.5°C (±0.5°C).
- Maintain relative humidity (RH) between 50-65% to preserve moisture without causing condensation.
- Keep products in their original packaging to protect against moisture fluctuations.
- Avoid placing pouches directly against the fridge walls to prevent temperature fluctuations.
---
### 5. Stabilising Humidity for Optimal Storage
Maintaining the correct humidity levels (50-65% RH) is crucial for preserving the moisture and integrity of Snus and Nicotine Pouches.
#### 5.1 Monitoring Humidity Levels
- Use a digital hygrometer to check humidity inside the fridge daily.
- Log humidity readings and adjust as needed to maintain stability.
#### 5.2 Methods to Regulate Humidity
| Issue | Solution |
|-----------|-------------|
| Humidity Too Low (<50%) | - Place a small, sealed container of distilled water inside the fridge to gradually raise humidity.
- Use humidifying gel packs or a humidity control pack (e.g., Boveda 62%) inside storage areas. |
| Humidity Too High (>65%) | - Place silica gel packs or moisture-absorbing packets in the storage area.
- Ensure the fridge is not overfilled to allow proper airflow.
- Keep fridge door openings minimal to prevent excess humidity fluctuations. |
| Condensation Forming | - Ensure pouches adjust to room temperature before opening to prevent condensation.
- Check if fridge ventilation is blocked and clean vents if needed.
- Store products in sealed, airtight containers for extra protection. |
#### 5.3 Regular Humidity Maintenance
- Inspect and replace humidity control packs or gel packs every 2-4 weeks.
- Ensure refrigerator vents are clean to maintain airflow and prevent moisture build-up.
- Record humidity readings in a storage log for quality control.
---
### 6. Organization & Stock Rotation
- Follow FIFO (First In, First Out) inventory management to use older stock first.
- Arrange products in neat rows, avoiding over-stacking to ensure proper air circulation.
---
### 7. Handling & Removal
- When removing from storage, allow pouches to adjust to room temperature (15-25°C) for 10-15 minutes before opening to prevent condensation.
- Avoid repeated temperature shifts by limiting how often products are taken in and out of storage.
---
### 8. Equipment & Maintenance
- Use a calibrated digital thermometer and hygrometer to check fridge conditions daily.
- Refrigeration units must be cleaned and maintained weekly to prevent contamination and ensure consistent cooling and humidity levels.
---
### 9. Monitoring & Quality Control
- Conduct weekly quality checks to ensure products remain fresh, moist, and free from defects.
- Dispose of any pouches showing mold, dryness, or off-smells immediately.
- Keep a storage log documenting temperature, humidity readings, stock movements, and quality checks.
---
### 10. Corrective Actions
| Issue | Action Required |
|-----------|---------------------|
| Temperature above 4.0°C | Adjust fridge settings and monitor for 24 hours. If unresolved, call maintenance. |
| Dry or hardened pouches | Check fridge humidity levels and ensure packaging is intact. |
| Mold or off-smell detected | Dispose of affected products and inspect storage conditions. |
| Humidity above 65% | Add moisture absorbers and improve airflow inside the fridge. |
| Humidity below 50% | Introduce humidifying elements like water containers or humidity packs. |
---
### 11. Records & Documentation
- Maintain a temperature and humidity log (checked daily).
- Keep records of stock rotation and expiry dates.
- Document any incidents or quality concerns for review.
By following this SOP, Snus and Nicotine Pouches will remain fresh, high-quality, and safe for use, with optimal moisture levels maintained at all times.
#### 1. Purpose
To ensure the proper storage of Snus and Nicotine Pouches at 3.5°C while maintaining optimal humidity levels to preserve freshness, moisture, and flavour.
#### 2. Scope
This SOP applies to all staff responsible for storing and handling Snus and Nicotine Pouches in refrigeration units.
#### 3. Responsibilities
- Staff must follow proper storage and humidity control procedures.
- Management must ensure refrigeration units are functioning correctly and regularly maintained.
- Inventory control personnel must monitor stock rotation, expiry dates, and product quality.
---
### 4. Storage Procedure
#### 4.1 Preparation
- Inspect all Snus and Nicotine Pouch containers before storage to ensure they are sealed and undamaged.
- Wipe off any external moisture or contamination from packaging.
- Label all new stock with arrival date and expiry date.
#### 4.2 Storage Conditions
- Store Snus and Nicotine Pouches at a stable temperature of 3.5°C (±0.5°C).
- Maintain relative humidity (RH) between 50-65% to preserve moisture without causing condensation.
- Keep products in their original packaging to protect against moisture fluctuations.
- Avoid placing pouches directly against the fridge walls to prevent temperature fluctuations.
---
### 5. Stabilising Humidity for Optimal Storage
Maintaining the correct humidity levels (50-65% RH) is crucial for preserving the moisture and integrity of Snus and Nicotine Pouches.
#### 5.1 Monitoring Humidity Levels
- Use a digital hygrometer to check humidity inside the fridge daily.
- Log humidity readings and adjust as needed to maintain stability.
#### 5.2 Methods to Regulate Humidity
| Issue | Solution |
|-----------|-------------|
| Humidity Too Low (<50%) | - Place a small, sealed container of distilled water inside the fridge to gradually raise humidity.
- Use humidifying gel packs or a humidity control pack (e.g., Boveda 62%) inside storage areas. |
| Humidity Too High (>65%) | - Place silica gel packs or moisture-absorbing packets in the storage area.
- Ensure the fridge is not overfilled to allow proper airflow.
- Keep fridge door openings minimal to prevent excess humidity fluctuations. |
| Condensation Forming | - Ensure pouches adjust to room temperature before opening to prevent condensation.
- Check if fridge ventilation is blocked and clean vents if needed.
- Store products in sealed, airtight containers for extra protection. |
#### 5.3 Regular Humidity Maintenance
- Inspect and replace humidity control packs or gel packs every 2-4 weeks.
- Ensure refrigerator vents are clean to maintain airflow and prevent moisture build-up.
- Record humidity readings in a storage log for quality control.
---
### 6. Organization & Stock Rotation
- Follow FIFO (First In, First Out) inventory management to use older stock first.
- Arrange products in neat rows, avoiding over-stacking to ensure proper air circulation.
---
### 7. Handling & Removal
- When removing from storage, allow pouches to adjust to room temperature (15-25°C) for 10-15 minutes before opening to prevent condensation.
- Avoid repeated temperature shifts by limiting how often products are taken in and out of storage.
---
### 8. Equipment & Maintenance
- Use a calibrated digital thermometer and hygrometer to check fridge conditions daily.
- Refrigeration units must be cleaned and maintained weekly to prevent contamination and ensure consistent cooling and humidity levels.
---
### 9. Monitoring & Quality Control
- Conduct weekly quality checks to ensure products remain fresh, moist, and free from defects.
- Dispose of any pouches showing mold, dryness, or off-smells immediately.
- Keep a storage log documenting temperature, humidity readings, stock movements, and quality checks.
---
### 10. Corrective Actions
| Issue | Action Required |
|-----------|---------------------|
| Temperature above 4.0°C | Adjust fridge settings and monitor for 24 hours. If unresolved, call maintenance. |
| Dry or hardened pouches | Check fridge humidity levels and ensure packaging is intact. |
| Mold or off-smell detected | Dispose of affected products and inspect storage conditions. |
| Humidity above 65% | Add moisture absorbers and improve airflow inside the fridge. |
| Humidity below 50% | Introduce humidifying elements like water containers or humidity packs. |
---
### 11. Records & Documentation
- Maintain a temperature and humidity log (checked daily).
- Keep records of stock rotation and expiry dates.
- Document any incidents or quality concerns for review.
By following this SOP, Snus and Nicotine Pouches will remain fresh, high-quality, and safe for use, with optimal moisture levels maintained at all times.