Every workplace must be clean and orderly in order to function safely and productively. Sanitation is especially important in the food manufacturing industry. Federal laws and standards are explicit and strict in requiring how food products are manufactured with specifications on industrial equipment and industrial supplies used in this industry. When it comes to producing food, any contamination from bacteria or even dirt can cause health problems for end consumers.
To meet sanitation requirements while maintaining a safe and efficient workplace, there are a wide variety of industrial supplies designed for use in this environment. Food compliant industrial equipment is designed to safely handle products while promoting a sanitary environment. In the end, using the right products allows companies to stand out.
Materials used in food-grade industrial equipment
Manufacturers in this field generally use a common set of materials for process machinery. Sanitation properties are essential when designing production lines in addition to typical design concerns. For exposed surfaces on working machinery, smooth and polished materials are used. This type of surface is easier to clean and does not promote bacterial growth like a rough surface would. The most common way to achieve this specification is with the use of polished stainless steel.
However, stainless steel can be cost prohibitive for certain pieces of machinery. Mixtures of polymers and plastics can also be used, as long as they are smooth and polished. Another option incorporates standard carbon steel with a zinc or chrome coating to keep costs down and maintain a smooth surface. Antimicrobial coatings and even Teflon can be applied for additional contamination prevention.
These materials are in common use for the food industry for another reason. While corrosion is a problem in any industry, when handling food, rust presents additional problems. Metal contamination will cause foods to take on an unpleasant taste, odor, or color, as well as putting toxic materials into finished products. Strong corrosion resistance is also necessary to withstand alkaline wash solutions and acidic ingredients.
To further complicate matters, the industrial equipment used in this field can also be used in high or low temperature production stages. High-temperature baking, cooking, or frying, as well as low-temperature freezing and holding process steps create significant temperature changes. Industrial supplies that operate at high and low temperatures in addition to ambient temperatures should be selected.
Essential Industrial Supplies: Food Grade Lubricants
Every moving part of a machine requires lubrication, but conventional oils and fats are incompatible with food products. If these lubricants come into contact with products on the production line, the resulting products will lose color, taste, and be toxic when consumed. Of course, lubricants are still required for process machinery, so food-grade materials have been designed to keep industrial equipment running without contaminating products from incidental exposure.
These lubrication solutions are made to be odorless, colorless, tasteless and non-toxic. They are rated for incidental contact with food products without causing harmful side effects to consumers. While vegetable oil was used for lubrication in years past, today’s specially blended products are tested and approved as safe for use.
These types of industrial supplies come in a wide variety of different products for almost any lubrication application. Silicone lubricant and belt dressings are available in food-safe varieties. Machine bearings can also be greased with these products. There are even automatic feeders that can be connected to a grease fitting and provide a constant flow of lubrication, helping to reduce the amount of time maintenance personnel have to spend on that machine. Other varieties include anti-seize, pneumatic and anti-wear oils and greases for low and high temperatures. This list also includes heat transfer fluids and coolants classified for incidental product contact, as well as hydraulic fluids and gear lubricants.
Worker safety and productivity
Personal protective equipment and industrial supplies for workers also play an important role in safe and productive work environments. Standard personal protective equipment supplemented by additional sanitation equipment is ideal for workers in this field. For example, hair nets, latex gloves, and face masks help keep workers safe and prevent contamination from items they work with.
At the end of the day, each facility is responsible for following best practices and standards to produce a safe product. With the wide range of tools available, all companies can meet this goal.