The most dreadful thing in any facility is the spread of contamination. Contamination is hazardous for every food facility as it poses a threat to food safety. This contaminated food then causes disease. In such a severe case, there is no option other than to shut down the facility until the contamination is contained. This directly affects the revenue of the products.
Hence, it is essential to maintain safety protocols to ensure hygienic productivity. And, for that purpose food officials must know what areas are prone to contamination and need special attention.
Processing Area
The production area is the most important in the entire facility. There are many drains in this area to keep the flow of water running. However, drains can become a cause for contamination if not cleaned properly. It is vital to sanitize and cleans this enclosed area. The food should not be exposed to the atmosphere. This could result in food safety hazards.
- This area is very prone to microbial growth through the air or by drain water.
- The drain must not overflow at any cost.
- There should be proper inspections to make sure none of the drains is clogged. If they are blocked, they must be dislodged immediately.
- It should be made sure to supply filtered air in this room.
Outside Environment
The outside area of any production factory is also susceptible to contamination if any unauthorized person enters the premises. Safety hazards are under threat in this area due to wastewater, dirt, dust, or the presence of animals.
This area also needs to be maintained and should be washed daily to avoid the danger of the site being contaminated.
- Workers should also follow strict safety protocols and maintain personal hygiene. A hygienic environment is very crucial for the optimum food production process.
- There must be strict implementation of hygienic design from the start.
- A sanitary gate must be installed at the entrance.
Animals and Field Area
All the animals should have checkups to assure that they are not sick because this causes contamination among all the animals and thus in the entire facility. The products go to waste, and the revenue decreases. For example, if a hen’s productive part is infected, the eggs that it will lay will be contaminated. Those eggs will ruin every food item in which it is used.
Then in some cases, if the water that is provided to the fruit or vegetable crops is contaminated. This will affect all the crops present in the field. These vegetables and fruits will be unwell to use.
Surfaces and Loading Docks
Counter surfaces of the processing areas are also prone to contamination. The germs can thrive on the food processing table and if not cleaned routine wise then it can lead to contamination. The germs and bacteria can spread in processing lines or storage bins very quickly.
- All the transportation trucks must be immediately sanitized after the delivery of one batch. If it is not cleaned properly, this will without a doubt lead to contamination.
- If frozen food is left out in warm weather then it reaches a temperature where bacteria start to grow on it rapidly.
Conclusion
All these areas must be inspected and sanitized regularly and properly. Professionals must use soap and scrub all the areas. Then by using a warm pressure water hose to clean the entire area.
Contamination in a food facility will only lead to the downfall of the business. Food officials must opt and maintain the necessary protocols that are needed for these most prone contaminated areas and get them sanitized on time with supervision.
