Processing Food Safety
Processing Food Safety Takes Priority in Design by Matt Hale Modern food production systems have reduced the cost of foods and made them more available, but general trends towards the centralization of food supply also increases the opportunity that food safety issues, such as contamination with pathogens or toxins will affect large numbers of people 1 . To prevent this, food producers implement strict systems such as Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), but the design and manufacturing standards of food processing equipment are also of vital importance. Types of contamination The contamination of food and drink products can cause anything from minor quality issues to severe health outcomes and even death. There are four main types of contamination which can affect food and drink products: microbial, chemical, physical and allergenic. Microbial contamination is caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, mould, fungi and toxins like campylobacter, salmonella and E. coli, and microbial contamination is the most common source of food poisoning. Control measures include strict hygiene measures, ensuring separation between raw and cooked ingredients, and the use of techniques to reduce the microbial load in the product, such as pasteurization or sterilization. Chemical contamination often arises from the poor control of products used for cleaning and disinfection. If chemical residues remain on food preparation or contact surfaces, or if chemicals are used in the vicinity of food and drink products, then contamination can occur. Another source of chemical contamination may be the production of primary food ingredients such as the incorrect use of pesticides and medicines on farms. As the name suggests, physical contamination is caused by foreign objects, and can include anything from stones and pest bodies through to items of plastic or metal. Within food processing facilities, poorly maintained or badly designed equipment can itself become a source of physical contamination in the form of items such as flaking paint or loose screws. Physical contaminants may also carry harmful bacteria, increasing the overall contamination risk. The final source of contamination is allergenic contamination, which occurs when a food which causes an allergic reaction comes into contact with another food. There are 14 recognized allergens 2 , including Stainless steel should be used for the construction of food processing equipment gluten, peanuts, eggs, mustard, soy, and fish, and the reactions caused can range from mild discomfort through to fatal anaphylactic shock. The importance of design The food processing business adopts a range of processes and procedures to prevent these forms of contamination from occurring. These measures may include cleaning and maintenance procedures, pest control, personal hygiene, protective clothing, dress codes, etc. Many of these procedures will have been implemented as a result of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) assessment of the facility and the production methods employed, but there is another equally important aspect of avoiding contamination which is not always given such a high profile: the design and construction of the food processing equipment itself. Hygienic equipment design enhances cleanability, decreasing the risk of biological, physical and chemical contamination. In addition, equipment that is designed and constructed to meet hygienic principles is easier to maintain and reduces the risk of physical hazards 3 . Hygienic design principles encompass a range of different factors, including material choice, surface finish, and construction methods, as well as the physical design of the product – for example avoiding lips, crevices and sharp angles where cleaning chemicals or product may build up or remain after cleaning. To facilitate cleaning underneath and around equipment, it should be elevated above the floor on legs or mounted in a frame (as is the case with HRS’s skid-mounted systems). 26 food Marketing & Technology • October 2022
Processing When designing equipment, different standards may be applied to foodcontact and non-contact surfaces, and surfaces which come into contact with product must generally be smooth, non-toxic, non-absorbent and resistant to corrosion. For this reason, stainless steel is a popular choice and AISI 300-series stainless steel (as specified by 3A Sanitary Standards) is used as a key material by HRS Heat Exchangers. Welding and joints are also important; continuous butt welds should be used and ground to a smooth surface, while bolts and threads used within the food contact zone must be of a hygienic design. It is also important to maintain the movement of fluids and materials within the equipment and connecting pipework. Maintaining flow and preventing fouling is also a key priority in heat exchanger design and is why HRS Heat Exchangers produce corrugated tube or scraped surface designs. It is also important to use closed coupled connections Systems such as the HRS Aseptic Block pasteurizer and filler include integrated clean-in-place (CIP) systems to equipment in order to prevent the creation of dead spots, and to ensure that where necessary, equipment can be fully drained or emptied for cleaning or product changeover. Other considerations include avoiding the use of O-ring seals in grooves, avoiding ledges around top rims, and ensuring that shafts are suitably sealed with double seals where necessary. Reducing waste while maintaining safety HRS Heat Exchangers produces a wide range of equipment for use in food Marketing & Technology • October 2022 27 Key No. 102490
