Places Where Harmful Bacteria Might Be Hiding In Your Food Processing Plant

The food processing industry contributes nearly $1.2 trillion to the U.S. gross domestic product every year. If you own or manage a food processing facility, you know how important maintaining a safe work environment is. Some food processing business owners focus solely on safeguarding their equipment when trying to keep their employees safe. While reliable and safe equipment is important, you also need to educate yourself about harmful bacteria that affect food processing businesses.

The more you know about harmful bacteria, the easier it will be to mitigate the risks it poses. Read below to find out more about where harmful bacteria might be hiding in your food processing plant and how to address it.

 

Bacteria Can Form On Your Equipment

Rising to the top of the food processing industry will require both the help of hard-working employees and the use of reliable equipment. The equipment used in food and meat processing plants contains a variety of different parts. Some parts can allow food particles to get stuck. As these stuck food particles start to decompose, harmful bacteria can start to surface. One of the main things you need to do to avoid this common problem is to invest in clean-in-place systems.

If you have equipment that features parts with textured surfaces, then taking these components off and scrubbing them by hand regularly is important. Investing time and money into training employees on how to clean and disinfect the machines they use daily is a great way to combat bacteria issues. Not only will this training make your team more mindful of bacteria and the harm it can cause, it will also make them feel more engaged and valued.

 

Flooring Can Be a Hotspot For Harmful Bacteria

The floors in a food processing plant are often overlooked. As employees enter your plant, they will bring a number of allergens and bacteria into the workplace. This bacteria will then be moved all around your plant as other employees head to their workstations. Providing employees with protective booties and a place where they can wash their hands before entering the production floor is a good idea.

You also need to make sure your floors are being left wet for long periods of time. This wet environment is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Making sure that wet spots are dried quickly can help you reduce problems with bacteria.

 

Keep An Eye On Your Drains

Another problem area where bacteria can form in your food processing facility is the drains. The average food processing plant has slopped floors that feature large drains. These drains make cleaning floors much easier, but they also pose dangers. Choosing the right drains can help you mitigate the risk of bacteria growth. Choosing a drain system that is made from hygienic and nonporous material is a must.

Adequately maintaining your food processing equipment can help you avoid bad bacteria. By implementing the tips in this article, you can keep your plant clean and productive.