Sanitation and cleanliness compliance are paramount in the food industry, which is among the most rigorously regulated sectors. The USDA has established stringent requirements for sanitation performance in food production facilities, detailed in their Sanitation Performance Standards Compliance Guide. To fully understand the specific requirements for your facility, it is advisable to refer to this comprehensive guide. Managing the cleaning operations in the food industry can be a complex task, given the multitude of guidelines for operational procedures, employee hygiene, various cleaning compounds, and more. This is where the importance of selecting the right cleaning equipment becomes evident.
Whether you belong to a large-scale national food producer or a smaller local service, having effective cleaning equipment is the key to upholding sanitization compliance throughout your supply chain. Fortunately, there are numerous options available to help you efficiently and cost-effectively adhere to compliance guidelines.
Essentials for Non-Industrial Areas For non-industrial sections within your facility, such as storefronts or employee breakrooms, deploying industrial-grade equipment for minor cleaning tasks may not always be practical. The following non-industrial cleaning essentials are crucial for day-to-day cleaning:
Clothes and Sponges: Having cloths readily available throughout your facility is essential for tackling various cleaning tasks, from wiping down belts, tables, and filters to other production surfaces. Microfiber cloths are a top choice due to their exceptional efficiency in attracting and retaining dust, dirt, and bacteria.
Floor Cleaning Equipment: While the floor may not be a food-contact surface, regular cleaning is essential to prevent contamination or health hazards. A contractor’s broom and dustpan are ideal for clearing general debris and dirt and are designed specifically for facility maintenance. For spills and stickiness, a mop, particularly quick-change spin mops, is indispensable for efficient cleaning and head replacement.
Scrub Brushes and Pads: Food residue and grime can accumulate rapidly, and these heavy-duty scrub brushes and pads are ideal for quickly loosening stubborn spots on equipment. Combine them with the appropriate chemicals and clothes for effective sanitization.
Sanitizing Chemicals: Various sanitization and cleaning chemicals are available, but not all are created equal. When selecting sprays for your cleaning process, look for labels that indicate compliance with USDA standards. Disinfectants are essential in food processing facilities to eliminate potentially hazardous contaminants, but it’s crucial to clean and sanitize with industrial-grade cleaners before disinfection to maximize effectiveness. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
Essentials for Industrial Areas While non-industrial cleaning equipment is crucial for routine maintenance, investing in the right industrial cleaning equipment is the key to meeting USDA cleaning standards comprehensively. Here are some essential pieces of equipment for ensuring thorough compliance:
Hot Water/Wet Steam Pressure Washers: Hot water pressure washers are indispensable in food processing plants as they effectively remove stubborn grime, grease, and residue from machinery, surfaces, and floors. Hot water power washers outperform regular cleaning products and methods, particularly in dealing with hardened or baked-on residues that can harbour harmful bacteria or pathogens. By removing these contaminants effectively, pressure washers contribute to a sanitary production environment and reduce contamination risks.
Industrial Vacuums: Dust buildup can be a significant issue in food industry facilities, as certain areas may go unnoticed during routine cleaning. Dust accumulation can impair equipment performance and pose potential health and safety concerns. Industrial-grade vacuum cleaners, ideally equipped with HEPA filtration, are invaluable for addressing dust and debris in less frequently attended areas around your facility.
Steam Cleaners: Steam cleaners are a crucial element of USDA sanitization compliance in food facilities. High-temperature and high-pressure steam cleaning has largely replaced chemical sanitization because it is safer, more environmentally friendly, and equally effective. Steam cleaners can reach high temperatures to eliminate bacteria without relying on environmentally damaging sanitization chemicals. Multiple steam cleaner options are available to create a cleaner environment within your facility.
Personal Protective Equipment: While the aforementioned cleaning equipment aids in maintaining cleanliness and preventing cross-contamination, it’s crucial to prioritize personal safety. When using cleaning equipment, especially those involving chemicals, always wear personal protective equipment like gloves and masks to prevent injuries.
Those with experience in the food production industry understand the challenges of maintaining a clean and compliant facility. While it may not be an easy task, the right equipment significantly enhances efficiency and ease of management. Investing in the appropriate equipment streamlines the entire cleaning process, ensuring safety and compliance throughout your facility, which is fundamental for the long-term success of this industry.