Three ways to improve conveyor sanitation in food processing
The key design features that will increase profitability in the food processing industry by improving sanitation and productivity
Food processing plants must balance rigorous hygiene requirements with the need to improve productivity , leaving many plant managers unsure of the best investments regarding conveyor systems . Here Enrico Visconti , Head of Industry Segment Food at hygienic conveyor belt manufacturer Habasit , shares some advice on how to improve conveyor belt sanitation in food processing applications .
Conveyor belts in food processing are key focus areas for cleaning as they are in direct contact with food products . The biggest challenge they face is cross contamination , where food products are contaminated by foreign bodies . This can either be physical contamination or microbiological contamination , caused by biofilm build-up on the line .
Biofilms typically consist of water , lipids , proteins , polysaccharides , and microorganisms and are particularly challenging for food processing sanitation operators to remove . Essentially , biofilm structures create bacterial colonies and single-cell groups that adhere to surfaces . These are preserved by a protective dome of polysaccharide meshing , making them difficult to remove and clean . Therefore , hygienic design features that prevent biofilm build-up from occurring in the first place are crucial for ongoing hygiene in food processing plants .
Hygienic belt design
A critical area for modular belting is the hinges , where , if not properly cleaned , product debris might accumulate and biofilm grows . Therefore , hygienic belt design must limit the surface area of hinges and provide easy access to belting from all sides , allowing sanitation workers to inspect , clean , and validate belts quickly and effectively . Belts must also facilitate the flow of water and cleaning agents
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