The food processing industry is full of fast-paced factory locations that help manufacture the products we buy every day. To keep conditions safe and ideal for food, processing plants and their employees use specialized equipment and materials. These safety materials in the food processing industry range from equipment that sorts the food to items that employees wear. All of it helps promote a clean and safe environment for the food and the employees.
Protective Clothing
Employees of food processing plants have a strict dress code that they must abide by daily. They must wear personal protective equipment (or PPE) whenever working with or around the products. This PPE keeps the food conditions safe and the employees safe from hazardous conditions when working in the plant. Food processing PPE usually consists of gloves, suits, smocks, jackets, aprons, hair covers, and masks or glasses.
Machinery Design
Food processing machines are efficient and safe for food contact. The materials that make up these machines can withstand repeated use and wear. For example, Flexply appears in the food industry in long-lasting food conveyors and other equipment. This material can withstand pressure and resist corrosion. Durable materials like Flexply are important because they ensure equipment doesn’t suffer damage and break down, jeopardizing food quality and safety.
Storage and Transportation
Even after food passes through the manufacturing process, employees must store and transport food safely to preserve its quality. For example, meats and other perishables must remain refrigerated during storage and transport to avoid spoiling. In these cases, meat needs to sit in freezers, refrigerated boxes, or trucks to maintain its quality before arriving at its destination. This is the last step of food safety procedures before it ends up on store shelves.
Overall, these safety materials in the food processing industry help keep employees, food products, and consumers safe. Without any one of these safety precautions, processing plants would risk accidents and recalls. This is why safety measures are so important, especially in the food processing industry.
