Top tips for avoiding food contamination
All parties involved in the food processing chain have a responsibility to ensure that food reaching consumers does not become contaminated . While manufacturers already take steps to prevent the main causes of contamination , thermal fluid could be a hidden contaminator . Here Clive Jones , managing director of heat transfer fluid specialist Global Heat Transfer , explains how thermal fluid choice and maintenance can prevent crosscontamination being a problem .
Cross contamination can occur at any stage of the food production chain , so food processing facilities have processes and procedures in place to remove any risk of product mishandling . These are built on an understanding of how crosscontamination occurs — food handling is one of the main causes of cross contamination . For example , a worker may handle raw meat without gloves and then touch other food products without washing their hands . Food residue left on equipment can also provide opportunities for contamination , as well as the harmful bacteria often found on raw products , for example if blood from raw meat drips onto uncovered products .
Food processing applications , such as brewing , baking or freezing , often require indirect heating or cooling generated from a heat exchanger and transported using thermal fluid . The fluid may absorb excess heat energy and take it away from the product , or transfer heat energy to the product .
THERMAL FLUID CONTAMINATION
Heat transfer fluid is transported around a facility in pipes , meaning that it is unlikely to come into direct contact with a product . However , if any issues occur in the system that leads to leaks or breakages , the fluid could
46 FDPP - www . fdpp . co . uk contaminate the product . If food and beverage manufacturers use a standard heat transfer fluid and there is incidental contact with the product , the whole batch must be scrapped to avoid any contaminated food reaching consumers , damaging their health and the company ’ s reputation .
FOOD GRADE FLUID
In any environment where thermal fluid may come into contact with a consumable product , manufacturers should consider using a food grade thermal fluid . Food grade thermal fluids must carry a HT-1 certificate , granted by the US Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) or the NSF International , to be approved for use in food processing . They are typically colourless , non-toxic , non-irritating and non-fouling , so if they do come into contact with food and therefore consumers , they lead to lower recall rates .
Food and beverage processing reactions take place at very specific temperatures , so manufacturers require a fluid with precise temperature control . Global Heat Transfer ’ s Globaltherm™ FG , for example , can operate and maintain temperatures ranging from -20 to 326 degrees Celsius . It has outstanding thermal oxidation stability and a lower viscosity than standard mineral oils , so it is easier to pump around the system . This thermal fluid has HT-1 certification and is accredited for use in Kosher and Halal applications .
FLUID MAINTENANCE
While incidental contact between the HT-1 certified fluid and the food product will not pose a risk to consumers , manufacturers should still do everything possible to prevent any maintenance issues that could lead to the fluid impacting production .
Thermal fluids degrade over time , especially when operating at high temperatures for long periods of time . Fluid degradation can cause a buildup of carbon and other by-products in pipes , reducing heat transfer efficiency and causing products to be cooked inconsistently . If the fluid is properly maintained , manufacturers can slow down the degradation process and reduce the risk of unplanned downtime .
To achieve this , manufacturers can implement a preventative maintenance programme . This should include regular visual walk-round checks , as well as quarterly fluid sampling to determine the condition of the fluid . Engineers can samples taken from a live , hot and circulating system to a laboratory for fluid analysis , using the results to plan preventative actions to maintain or expand fluid lifespan .
The food processing sector must uphold the highest standards to ensure food safety and prevent crosscontaminated products from reaching consumers . By selecting a food grade thermal fluid and carrying out regular fluid analysis and maintenance checks , plant managers can ensure that their products are manufactured safely and efficiently .
For more advice on choosing and maintaining thermal fluids , visit www . globalhtf . com .