Maintaining a safe and hygienic environment during food processing is crucial for farms and businesses in the food industry. Without proper hygiene and safety protocols, the entire food chain, from the farmer cultivating produce to the end consumer, is at risk. Implementing robust food safety practices is vital to prevent issues such as foodborne illnesses and safeguarding your business’s reputation. Here, we explore effective methods to keep food safe during processing.

One significant risk to food safety is a lack of hygiene among workers in processing plants. Employees can inadvertently carry pathogens internally and on their hands, skin, and hair. To mitigate this risk, workers must uphold a high standard of personal cleanliness and refrain from working if they are unwell to prevent food contamination. The proper use of protective gear, including caps, gloves, masks, and footwear, is essential. Emphasizing personal hygiene and implementing stringent sanitation policies is critical for maintaining food safety.

Pests pose another threat to food processing facilities and farms, depending on the type of food produced. Birds, flies, rodents, and cockroaches can contaminate produce and spread diseases, leading to costly damage to machinery and fixtures. Investing in pest control monitoring is imperative to supply safe food to customers. Regular facility cleaning, inspections, equipment sanitization, and proper waste management help prevent pest invasions and safeguard food safety.

Accumulated food waste can attract pests to areas where scraps are stored, posing a risk to food safety. To prevent this, provide suitable containers and secure waste storage areas, and establish procedures for regular waste removal to minimize the risk of contamination of food, equipment, and products.

Incorporating hygienic design into food processing facilities is crucial for preventing the development of pests and microbiological hazards, ultimately enhancing food safety. Complex designs are susceptible to cross-contamination, while a sanitary plant design includes distinct hygienic zones, temperature and humidity control, integrated sanitation, and more. A facility that is easy to clean establishes a solid foundation for a sanitary environment.

For additional strategies on safeguarding food safety during processing, refer to the accompanying infographic.

This infographic was created by Key Technology, a provider of industrial distribution conveyors