How Conveyor Systems Maintain the Highest Standards in Food Safety

How Conveyor Systems Maintain the Highest Standards in Food Safety

Bulk food suppliers understand the critical importance of preventing allergens from contaminating their supply chains, particularly when using certain industrial conveyor systems. Conveyor systems play a vital role in transporting treated or raw food items between production lines, and maintaining the safety and hygiene of these systems is crucial for food safety. 

In the U.S., around one in ten people suffer from some form of allergy, with 32 million individuals affected by food intolerances. As a result, there is increased attention to the hygiene standards of food handling facilities to ensure the safe transportation of food products without compromising quality. This is especially important for conveyor system suppliers.

Maintaining a Safe and Hygienic Environment

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 48 million Americans suffer from foodborne illnesses each year, leading to 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths. This highlights the urgent need for improved hygiene and food safety protocols, particularly in the handling and transportation of food products via material handling conveyor systems.

Conveyor Belt Cleaning and Disinfection

When it comes to cleaning conveyor belts in food production, several factors influence how often cleaning should take place:

• Material Volume: Conveyor belts handling large volumes of material should be cleaned more frequently, as they are more likely to accumulate contaminants.
• Belt Soiling: The longer contaminants stay on the belt, the harder they are to remove. Unclean belts can spread contamination to other parts of the production line.
• Processed Food: Sticky foods, in particular, can lead to carryback problems, making cleaning essential.
• Company Size: Larger companies may face more challenges in cleaning their processing plants compared to smaller ones, requiring more intensive cleaning methods.

Cleaning Techniques for Conveyor Belts

Here are various cleaning methods used to ensure food safety and sanitization:

Manual Cleaning Methods

• Sweeping and brushing debris and carrybacks
• Removing sticky food particles
• Dealing with stains on the belt
• Rinsing and washing, followed by vacuum-cleaning to dry and remove excess residue

Manual cleaning is labor-intensive and time-consuming but may be necessary for certain operations.

Semi-Automatic Cleaning Methods

In larger processing plants, semi-automated cleaning combines mechanical actions like dry vacuuming, spraying, and rinsing with manual methods such as brushing and scraping. This method is faster than manual cleaning and still effective for many operations.

Fully-Automatic Cleaning Methods

For maximum efficiency, fully automated conveyor belt washing uses Clean-In-Place (CIP) systems. These systems simplify cleaning, enhance safety, and minimize downtime by ensuring airflow through the belt and reducing the need for manual intervention.

Custom Conveyor Systems for the Food Industry

Custom conveyor systems provide an ideal solution for food safety in bulk food processing. Conveyor system suppliers often offer heavy-duty conveyor systems made from inert tungsten gas (TIG) for enhanced protection against contamination. This process, while more time-consuming than standard manufacturing, results in stronger, more hygienic belts. TIG-welded conveyors have no flat surfaces, preventing water or bacteria from accumulating and multiplying.

Heinrich Brothers specializes in designing and manufacturing custom conveyor systems tailored to the unique needs of your business. Our engineering team brings years of experience to every project, ensuring that your warehouse conveyor systems or material handling conveyor systems are designed with the highest hygiene standards. If you want to discuss conveyor systems that respect food safety regulations, contact Heinrich Brothers today for a consultation and get the best solutions for your facility’s needs.