What is Food Factory Cleaning?
Food production facility cleaning is the process of maintaining a level of cleanliness and sanitation in a food processing environment so safe food products can be produced.
This is most effectively achieved through specialist hygiene practices as opposed to following basic cleaning protocols, as rather than simply maintaining a clean area, specialised equipment and personnel are utilised to better reduce hygiene risks and the potential for cross contamination.
Within food production premises the risk of cross contamination is further reduced by splitting the environment into different zones, each with tailored cleaning plans.
High-risk areas where food is stored, directly handled or processed or where raw and cooked foods are in close proximity require more stringent cleaning procedures than Low-risk areas, such as storage for non-food items and staff offices.
What is the difference between cleaning, sanitising, and disinfecting?
All three are steps in hygiene and infection control but each has a different purpose. Cleaning removes visible dirt, sanitising reduces the number of germs and disinfecting kills germs on surfaces.
uses water and cleaning products to remove visible dirt and grime. This can reduce the number of microorganisms (germs) present but won’t necessarily kill them.
is the process of using chemicals or heat to reduce microbial load to an acceptable level.
is needed for high-risk areas and involves using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. For the process to be fully effective it should be done after cleaning.
Why is food factory facility cleaning essential?
Thorough cleaning around food production areas is important for maintaining a hygienic environment and to protect consumer health, as it reduces risks such as contamination, exposure to illnesses, and potential exposure to allergens.
Poor food factory cleaning and maintenance can lead to:
- A loss in reputation
- Fines
- Products being recalled due to non-compliance.
Which areas of a food factory are hotspots for cross contamination?
Areas where debris and moisture can accumulate and/or are difficult to clean can be hotspots for contamination. Examples could include drains, cracks and crevices (as any gaps or openings in equipment, walls and floors could trap moisture and debris), leading to microbial growth. Likewise, food contact surfaces and areas where raw food is handled are susceptible to contamination.
Is pest control a consideration in food factory cleaning?
Food production facilities provide the shelter, food, water and warmth that pests such as rodents need to survive. Businesses operating in this sector should operate with a zero-tolerance to pests, and regular specialist deep cleaning can help to prevent the risk of unwanted pest infestations, and the resultant product contamination.
Alongside daily regular cleaning and scheduled deep cleans to reduce pest risks, robust pest prevention and control measures should also be in place to ensure any pest issues are identified and dealt with quickly.
How to meet hygiene regulations in food environments
Food factory cleaning must be done in a way which is frequent, traceable, and properly documented. Proper cleaning and maintenance must meet legal food factory hygiene regulations such as the Food Safety Act 1990, the BRCGS Global Standard Food Safety, and FSA guidelines.
Additionally there must be collaboration with HACCP-aligned practices, which help identify risks so they can be properly managed, reducing the risk of contamination. HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) forms part of the UK’s food safety regulations and is a legal requirement. Food businesses are required to implement a food safety management system based on HACCP principles to ensure the safety of the food they produce
How often should a food production area be cleaned?
Areas used for food production should be cleaned daily, and should include any equipment that has come into contact with food. This frequency can vary, especially when handling different types of food product in a day, as more than one clean may be needed in a day to reduce cross contamination, and exposure to allergens.
Deep cleaning for food areas is recommended at least every six months, as in order to have full access to the kitchen and all the hard to reach areas, it usually has to take place during a planned closure, or during out of hours.
What is high level cleaning?
The internal and external high level areas within food manufacturing sites are often by their very nature hard to reach but if neglected can easily become hotspots for cross contamination. These high level areas could include windows, light fittings, ceilings and walls, which will all require cleaning and sanitising during a full deep clean. As there are health and safety implications associated with working at height, high level cleaning practices should always be undertaken by a trained professional.
What are the specific hygiene requirements for cleaning in food-grade ATEX zones?
ATEX stands for “Atmosphères Explosibles” and is used to describe locations where an explosive atmosphere may occur due to the presence of flammable gases, vapours, mists, or dust mixed with air. These areas require specific safety measures as if there is a source of ignition or fire, this could lead to an explosion. ATEX areas often exist in food manufacturing premises and as part of the cleaning service ATEX-specific industrial cleaners with specialist equipment should be used.
How does Rentokil Specialist Hygiene support food factories?
Specialist cleaning services offer in-depth decontamination and disinfection services for factories which require more than just basic cleaning. This process involves cleaning in hard-to-reach areas such as ceilings, drains, and equipment. Our customers are supported through flexible scheduling, which includes out of hours services with the aim of providing minimal disruption and operational downtime. As well as this, support is provided in extenuating circumstances, such as audits, or as an outbreak response.
What is included in our comprehensive industrial disinfection service?
In our disinfection services for factories, you can expect thorough site profiling and risk assessment, leading to custom cleaning solutions being provided. Our team of in-house, expertly trained and certified technicians make use of safe, food-grade disinfectant and advanced technology to deliver on these solutions. Through post-clean validation we make sure that the cleaning process has been effective, and maintain these high standards through a robust process of hygiene monitoring.