Miller Magazine Issue: 112 April 2019

102 APRIL 2019 “Quality control represents the first line technical assistance and problem solving function. It is important to have good internal specifications and quality control must see to those specific characteristics critical to the quality and function of the product and at the same time take into account the economics. Quality control must be involved with the life cycle of the product to follow it through the channels to the customer.” Quality control is not just a laboratory function, but is the responsibility of all departments concer- ned in flour production, e.g. wheat procurement, silo operation, screensroom, milling, packing, wa- rehouse, logistics and management. All these departments are concerned with qua- lity requirements, while the laboratory is the con- necting link between them, in terms of numbers and results which are an indication of the efficien- cy of the various departments. It is important that everyone concerned in qu- ality control receive sound training on the particu- lar aspects for which they are responsible. Where ever sampling is done or test apparatus is used, no person should be allowed to sample or use the items without first being trained on exactly how the item functions and how to interpret the results obtained. All training must include basic principles as well as objectives. Where scientific apparatus is used, the training must be underta- ken by the senior of the laboratory. Objectives of quality control in milling Ronald Sebastian Milling Technologist Mechanical Specialist Consultant Morning Star Milling Corporation-Manila