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The food industry is among the most essential and strictly regulated industries globally. It is a chain that must be kept clean at all times, starting from the storage of raw ingredients under sanitary conditions and ending with the final packaging for consumers. This guide is about how sanitary conveyors can contribute to keeping the food industry clean.
Why Is Sanitation Crucial in Food Processing?
Why Is Sanitation Crucial in Food Processing?
One of the major factors that determines the safety and quality of products that we take is the cleaning and sanitizing processes used in their preparation. The recorded costs due to food-related illnesses and outbreaks caused by contaminated food amounted to over $17 billion for the US economy in 2021, as per the CDC.
New Food Controls Are a Step Forward
New Food Controls Are a Step Forward
The Food Safety and Modernization Act (FSMA) by the FDA is a significant advance in raising food safety standards and stopping the contamination of the US food supply.
What Are the Sanitation Standards for Food Conveyors?
What Are the Sanitation Standards for Food Conveyors?
The FDA sets forth in detail a full array of Recommended Good Manufacturing Practices that outline the basic features necessary for maintaining product safety, among which are:
Making sure the design does not allow for any contamination to be introduced into the product flow while the operation is going on.
Keeping a conveyor that is simple to clean and sanitize at all times to remove the risk of product contamination during transportation.
It is forbidden to use dangerous substances in the manufacture and installation of conveyor belts, and stainless steel or any other corrosion-resistant material is preferred, as per the FDA recommendation.
Key Features of Sanitary Conveyor Systems
Key Features of Sanitary Conveyor Systems
Based on the rules and standards of a conveyor belt system, one can highlight several features that are necessary for a hygienic conveyor system in a food processing plant. These fundamental features ought to comprise:
Full Enclosure
Contaminants should be prevented from entering the production line by enclosing the whole system. It means enclosing those areas where products are handled or transported, such as ingredient feeders and discharge points, as well as any open areas along the length of the conveyors, to keep the system clean.
Fewer Moving Components and Flaws
By lowering the parts that move in the conveyor system, the cleaning and sanitizing processes become less complicated. The conveyors need to be made in such a way that they are even and continuous, and that there are no corners for food residues to hide.
Stainless Steel Attachments
Using stainless steel connectors, as it was stated in the beginning, is the best option when making conveyors because these components are corrosion and rust-resistant.
Learn more about how smarter systems are transforming the food industry in our blog, Revolutionizing How Food Moves: Smarter Systems for a Faster Industry!
Best Options for Sanitary Conveyors
Best Options for Sanitary Conveyors
These conveyor systems are capable of meeting portions or the entirety of the requirements listed below:
Belt Conveyors
These conveyors are the most common types of conveyors that are being used by different industries. To comply with sanitary standards, food-grade conveyor belts must be made from non-porous materials and, if necessary, enclosed to prevent contamination.
Tubular Drag Cable and Disc Conveyors
Sometimes, tubular drag cables along with disc conveyors can be the best solution for a particular food material. The cables, which are generally stainless steel coated with a smooth nylon for food products, are acid and chemical-resistant, thus they are perfect for food processing. Solid discs without any crevices, nuts, or bolts help in the easy movement of the material.
Chain Drag Conveyors
Chain drag conveyors, which are very much like tubular cable drag conveyors, have a stainless steel chain and can be closed for a clean operation. However, it should be noted that chains may not be the best option for the transport of food materials because they can become coated with product residues, which may cause contamination if the chains are not properly cleaned.
Pneumatic Conveyors
Usually, a pneumatic tube is made of stainless steel, and it can be either a horizontal or a slightly inclined one for gravity flow. For hygienic purposes, the tubes must have a filter at the top to prevent the entry of particles during the operation.
Wrapping Up
Wrapping Up
Sanitary conveyor solutions are a must in the food industry if we talk about consumer safety. To ensure a system that is both efficient and easy to clean without interrupting the process, extensive research is necessary.
If you desire a conveyor belt for material handling that is efficient, gentle on the material, and energy-efficient, please contact CHL Systems. They are always ready to provide you with the best solution for your company!
FAQs
FAQs
What are the four types of conveyors?
What are the four types of conveyors?
Some of the common types are belt, roller, motorized roller, and overhead conveyors. We classify them as floor style (mounted on the floor) or overhead. Employ them to move products, generate buffers, and deliver products in the sequence of a production line.
What are conveyors used in the food industry?
What are conveyors used in the food industry?
Pneumatic conveyor solutions leverage air pressure to transfer materials along a pipeline. Basically, they are employed in the food sector to carry lightweight, dry, and easily flowing substances, for instance, grains, flour, and sugar.
What are the types of sanitation in the food industry?
What are the types of sanitation in the food industry?
They comprise the application of clean-in-place (CIP) systems, foaming, clean-out-of-place (COP), spraying, high-pressure, and manual systems.
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