What should a bottle washing validation record contain?
A bottle washing validation record should contain the bottle identity, sample condition, wash route, controlled settings, inspection method, result and release decision. Without this record, a clean-looking sample may not be repeatable in production.
- Bottle source and format
- Residue, label and damage condition
- Wash route and settings used
- Inspection method and acceptance criteria
- Pass, fail, reject or rework decision
How should visual cleanliness be recorded?
Visual cleanliness should be recorded with a defined inspection point, lighting condition and defect list. Photographs can support the record, but the site still needs clear written rules for adhesive, particles, streaks, odour, chips, scuffs and residual moisture.
- Internal surface check
- External label-panel check
- Neck and shoulder check
- Base and punt check where relevant
- Photograph of pass and fail examples
Who should own the final release decision?
The final release decision should be owned by the site process or quality team, because they understand the product risk and downstream requirement. Lancing can help design a machine route and test method, but the acceptance criteria must fit the product and site controls.
- Production or quality sign-off
- Engineering confirmation of machine settings
- Supplier trial evidence where available
- Record of any concession or retest