Conveyor sanitation plays a crucial role in food processing as these automated systems transport products from one stage of the production process to the next, reducing manual labour and streamlining operations. However, with the high volume of food products passing through, following best practices for conveyor sanitation is extremely important for food safety.

If you don’t maintain proper hygiene standards, you risk food contamination, equipment breakdown and countless other potential health hazards. In this article, we explore six effective ways to optimise conveyor sanitation in food processing, no matter the product.

Why Conveyor Sanitation is Critical in Food Processing

The fear of cross-contamination looms over food processing conveyor belts as they are in direct contact with edible products. Physical or microbiological contamination may be introduced due to a biofilm build-up on the surface which can cause serious health risks if left unchecked.

Biofilms are mostly composed of water, proteins, lipids, microorganisms and polysaccharides and present a considerable challenge to food processing sanitation operators. Primarily comprised of bacterial colonies or single-cell groups that adhere to surfaces, these structures form an impermeable coating which makes it extremely difficult to remove or clean.

To defend against these potential threats, it is imperative that food processing plants adhere to thorough a cleaning regime, including conveyor sanitation. They should also employ hygienic design features to prevent the formation of biofilm build-up and ensure continued hygiene within the facility.

Good sanitation practices also help companies to comply with certain regulatory requirements and governing bodies, including the The Food Standards Agency (FSA) for England, Wales and Northern Ireland and the FDA (Food & Drugs Administration) in America, for example.

How To Maximise Conveyor Sanitation In Food Processing

To effectively manage conveyor sanitation in food processing, it’s essential to implement a comprehensive sanitation plan, use modern automated cleaning systems and provide additional training for staff. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best practices for food safety and conveyor sanitation in more detail.

1. Choose The Right Conveyor Belt Materials

The material used in making the conveyor belt can also impact its level of sanitation. The conveyor belt material should be resistant to damage from cleaning chemicals while being able to withstand frequent cleaning. A conveyor belt made of stainless steel, for instance, is durable, easy to clean, and resistant to corrosion.

This makes it an ideal material for use in the food processing industry. Other materials such as plastic can be used but may need additional care during cleaning. When selecting the conveyor belt material, it’s essential to consider its durability, ease of cleaning, and resistance to chemical damage.

2. Use A Modern Conveyor Belt Design

When it comes to modular belting, hinges are a vital consideration as debris and biofilm can quickly accumulate if not properly cleaned and maintained. To avoid this, hygienic belt design should limit the size of the hinges, providing easy access for sanitation workers to more easily inspect, clean and validate belts from all angles. Water and cleaning agents should also be allowed to flow easily through the connecting rods so that they won’t become breeding grounds for bacteria or other hazardous matter.

The introduction of Super HyCLEAN plastic modular belting was a major breakthrough in food safety and cleaning efficiency. This belt has a perfectly smooth top surface, including on the running side where the rod and hinge openings have been drastically reduced. This flat bottom surface help decrease any areas susceptible to debris and biofilm buildup while easily allowing water to pass through.

Find out more about the different conveyor systems PRV Engineering can produce!

3. Consider Automated Cleaning Systems

Automated cleaning systems are a popular option for improving conveyor sanitation. These systems use various techniques such as spray nozzles, brushes, and detergents to remove any contaminants present on the conveyor belts. The cleaning systems are designed to operate automatically, reducing the need for manual labor, and are customisable to fit different conveyor systems.

Automated cleaning systems come with several benefits:

• Effective in removing contaminants, which reduces the risk of cross-contamination
• Cost-effective in the long run, as they require less labour and are less likely to cause damage to the conveyor belt
• Improved worker safety by reducing the need for manual cleaning, which can be hazardous

Pressure washers are an ideal tool for eliminating stubborn residue, while wet vacuums do a great job of suctioning away any leftover particles. Enforcing consistent cleaning processes to unclog conveyors and guarantee the safety of food products as well as maximum efficiency in your equipment is key.

4. Implement a Conveyor Sanitation Plan

A vital step in optimising conveyor sanitation is to create a comprehensive cleaning plan to identify the steps that need to be taken in order to maintain hygiene standards. This should include frequency of cleaning, which areas require more attention than others, what tools and chemicals are required for each job, and any other necessary information. It is also essential to check the cleaning plan periodically to ensure that it is up to date with current hygiene regulations and identify any potential areas where improvements can be made.

5. Utilise Protective Coverings

Investing in durable covers and skirts for your conveyors helps to reduce the spread of potentially hazardous substances. Select easy-to-remove, cleanable materials that are simple to maintain, so you can ensure that your equipment is up to standard with minimal effort required. For an additional layer of security against bacteria and pathogens, certain fabrics provide a barrier against food-borne illnesses too!

6. Provide Training On Food Safety And Conveyor Sanitation

Along with a comprehensive cleaning plan, providing staff members with adequate training is essential for ensuring successful conveyor sanitation. The training plan should include information on food safety in general, the conveyor system, how to identify any potential contaminants and proper cleaning methods or techniques.

It is also important to ensure that all staff members are familiar with the safety protocols related to conveyor sanitation and have access to any necessary protective equipment. This will help ensure that the sanitation process is carried out effectively and safely.

What Are Modern Cleaning In Place (CIP) Units?

Modern Cleaning in Place (CIP) units refer to advanced cleaning systems used in the food processing industry to clean and sanitise equipment. This includes conveyor systems, tanks and pipelines, without disassembly.

CIP units use a combination of cleaning solutions, hot water and mechanical processes to remove contaminants from equipment surfaces. These cleaning systems are designed to operate automatically, reducing the need for manual labor and minimising the risk of equipment damage.

Modern CIP units are customisable to fit different equipment sizes and configurations, making them an efficient and cost-effective solution for maintaining optimal hygiene standards in the food industry.

Final Thoughts: Conveyor Sanitation In Food Processing

Ultimately, proper conveyor sanitation starts with selecting the right material for the job. Stainless steel is one of the most popular materials used in conveyor systems since it is highly durable and easy to clean. Additionally, an effective cleaning plan and proper training are essential for effective conveyor sanitation to ensure the process remains hygienic and safe.

Sanitation is essential in food processing as it ensures that the food products are safe for human consumption. With a focus on food safety, proper conveyor sanitation can actually increase profitability as it reduces the risk of potential product recalls while also improving equipment efficiency and reducing downtime due to avoidable maintenance.

If you are looking for a professional, experienced and reliable metal fabrication service for high quality material handling equipment and conveyor systems, PRV Engineering can help. We manufactures for a range of industries, including Food and Chemical Processing, specialising in metal fabrication for the manufacture of Machinery Guarding, Gravity Conveyor Systems and Materials Handling Equipment, Access Platforms and Ladders among others.