To say that sanitation is important in the food industry is a mere understatement. Sanitation is the only way to keep healthful conditions within the food manufacturing facility. Hence, food plant cleaning basically incorporates sanitation measures. Maintenance of hygienic conditions is of particular importance in the food industry and allied industries like those involved in meat and poultry. Sanitary measures follow scientific principles, and the main purpose is to eliminate chances of contamination.
In meat and poultry plants, sanitation is of prime importance because poor sanitation leads to proliferation of harmful microorganisms that damage the meat or reduce its shelf life. Good sanitary measures reduce chances of contamination by keeping population of microorganisms under control. Sanitation must be observed throughout the process—from the time when the animal or bird is still alive until the finished product is ready.
Meat and poultry plant sanitation is more complicated than you think. Ideally, sanitation should be first observed at the farm where the livestock and poultry are grown. Even the transportation of livestock and poultry should follow sanitary measures. Processing of poultry and livestock meat involves a long process from evisceration to packaging and distribution. In every step, cleanliness should be observed to prevent proliferation of Salmonella, E. coli, and other common pathogens that contaminate meat and poultry, rendering them unsafe for human consumption. Neglecting sanitation can result in serious health consequences. It must be noted that 23% food illness epidemics are due to contaminated meat and poultry products.
Companies in the food industry employ sanitation to protect the quality of the products in general. Bacterial contamination lowers the quality of the products. In most cases, it leads to rejection of the products from the market, which means loss of profit and wastage of resources. People would avoid products from a company who has a history of product contamination. Contamination results in massive recall, which is a setback for the affected company.
The government has legislations in place that directs companies in food industry, including those in the livestock and poultry business, to go through prescribed sanitation process. The laws are specifically created to protect the consumers, who otherwise may go home with contaminated meat or poultry products. Well, consumers deserve goods that went through hygienic process. No one pays to serve contaminated meat for dinner.
Meat and poultry processing companies go through a series of steps in ensuring their products are safe for consumption. Meat and poultry plant sanitation involves hot water washing, high pressure cleaning, foam cleaning, and gel cleaning. Elimination of harmful bacteria is made possible through use of steam or chemicals. Sanitizing chemicals may contain sodium hypochlorite, chlorine dioxide, active iodide, or acid sanitizers.
Sanitation in the food industry follows strict guidelines. For instance, utensils have to be cleaned and disinfected every now and then. Disposable towels are often used to wipe utensils. The product should be handled with utmost care that it does not come in contact with contaminated surfaces. Workers should follow sanitation protocol. They would have to wear prescribed garb at work. Aprons, gloves, and facial masks are imperative. Hand washing and sanitizing is seriously required before entering the work facility. All these efforts are for the wellbeing of the consumers.
Keeping Meat and Poultry Plants Clean