Hidden Contamination Pathways Can Exist Even in “Compliant” Systems
An undocumented plumbing configuration allowed non-potable cooling-tower water to enter consumable beverage systems.
Technical Findings
- No backflow event occurred
- Contamination resulted from improper plumbing configuration
- Non-potable cooling-tower water was allowed to enter a consumable product pathway
- Existing safeguards did not evaluate direct contamination pathway
Apparent Compliance Did Not Reflect Actual System Risk.