Automatic Meal Container Sealing Machines

Location

Inverclyde Royal Hospital and Royal Alexandra Hospital

Description

There are two Cook Freeze Units within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, located at Inverclyde Royal Hospital and Royal Alexandra Hospital. Each site operates two automatic sealing machines. This VEAT notice is being published to enable both sites to continue purchasing bespoke containers and lidding film specifically designed for use with their current sealing machines, for a period of 12 months. This arrangement will ensure operational continuity until a competitive tender for sealing machines and consumables is undertaken, which is anticipated to be published around May 2026. The current containers are bespoke to the sealing machines. The container sizes are: GN 1/2 - 48mm x 325mm x 265mm (Height x Width x Diameter) - Colour White GN 1/3 - 48mm x 325mm x 176mm (Height x Width x Diameter) - Colour White GN 1/4 - 55mm x 265mm x 162mm (Height x Width x Diameter) - Colour White GN 1/8 - 36mm x 161mm x 131mm (Height x Width x Diameter) - Colour White GN 1/8 - 50mm x 161mm x 131mm (Height x Width x Diameter) - Colour White The Film sizes are: 335mm x 300mm (Width x Diameter) 400mm x 300mm (Width x Diameter) The width of the container, particularly the edges, are designed to ensure a uniform tight film sealing lid for produced food that requires reheating with the lid intact. The container size specified is to ensure automatic de-nesting through the machines during the sealing process where heat is automatically applied to the film lid at a temperature between +150⁰c to+170⁰c. This ensures no leaking of produce during the chill/freeze, and reheating cycle in the ovens at ward level. The containers, film and product labels must be able to withstand freezer storage temperatures at -22⁰c for up to periods of 6 months and be able to withstand regeneration temperatures of up to +150⁰c without compromising the food or label information attached.

Total Quantity or Scope

The container sizes are: … The containers must provide - a uniform tight film sealing lid for produced food that requires reheating with the lid intact - automatic de-nesting through the machines during the sealing process where heat is automatically applied to the film lid at a temperature between +150⁰c to+170⁰c - no leaking of produce during the chill/freeze and reheating cycle in the ovens at ward level - the container film and product labels must be able to withstand freezer storage temperatures at -22⁰c for up to periods of 6 months - the container must be able to withstand regeneration temperatures of up to +150⁰c without compromising the food or label information attached.

Award Detail

Award Criteria

CPV Codes

• 39222000 - Catering supplies
• 39310000 - Catering equipment

Indicators

• Award on basis of price.

Legal Justification

In 2011 the Cook Chill Production Units in Inverclyde Royal Hospital and Royal Alexandra Hospital were refurbished to operate as Cook Freeze Production Units. During this time the opportunity was taken to ensure that the food production process, as well as catering services equipment and working practice at ward level, was standardised to ensure ease of staff training, both at the food production units and at ward level for patient meal service.

Other Information

(SC Ref:816844)