How Conveyor Systems Maintain the Highest Standards in Food Safety

How Conveyor Systems Maintain the Highest Standards in Food Safety

Bulk food suppliers know that the stakes for undefined allergens accessing supply chains are too high using certain industrial conveyor systems. The conveyor system is where treated or raw foods are carried from one production line to another.

Approximately one in ten U.S. citizens experience at least one allergy, with 32 million reported to have intolerances to certain foods. There is growing attention to the hygiene credentials of facilities to guarantee safety at this significant stage of the process without altering product quality. This is especially important for conveyor system suppliers.

Maintaining a Safe and Hygienic Environment

According to The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, about 48 million Americans get sick, 128,000 hospitalized, and 3000 die each year from foodborne diseases, highlighting the essential need for change in safe and hygienic food handling.

Conveyor Belt Cleaning and Disinfection

There are various points to have in mind before opting for a conventional cleaning technique. The following factors can also determine how often you should wash your conveyor belt.

Material Volume. A belt used often should be cleaned more frequently since the food-grade conveyor belt with a larger material volume could easily be more contaminated.
Belt Soiling. The longer the soil remains on the belt, the harder it is to wash. The contaminant will expand to other conveyed parts if left uncleaned.
Processed Food. Sticky foods are more inclined to lead to carryback problems.
Company Size. A larger company will find it more challenging to clean processing plants, in comparison to small companies.

Different Techniques to Clean and Disinfect Conveyor Belts

Here are the different methods applied to ensure sanitization and food safety.

Manual Cleaning Methods

• Sweeping and brushing out the debris and carrybacks
• Removing sticky foods and food particles
• Fraying stains on the belt
• Rinsing
• Washing and vacuum-cleaning to dry and eliminate excess

Manual cleaning is labor-intensive and consumes much time.

Semi-Automatic Cleaning Methods

For the semi-automated cleaning, larger processing plants generally undertake it. The mechanical phases combine dry vacuuming, spraying, and rinsing. Brushing and scraping are manual methods in semi-automated cleansing. Semi-automated sanitation is faster than manual cleaning.

Fully-Automatic Cleaning Methods

Automatic conveyor belt washing employs a device called a clean-in-place (CIP) system. It is less complex, secures safety, and diminishes downtime. This installation provides airflow through the belt.

Custom Conveyor Systems

Last but not least, conveyor system suppliers provide food industry providers with conveyor belts made from inert tungsten gas (TIG). It’s a complex process that takes longer than standard combining but provides stronger protection from contamination.
The conveyor’s TIG-welded structure features no flat surfaces so that water or bacteria have no place to lodge and reproduce.

 

Heinrich Brothers’ engineering team is known for its industry experience. Each custom conveyor system is designed and made to order based on your individual needs. If you would like to discuss conveyor systems, contact Heinrich Brothers today and find the conveyor that will help you respect food safety.