In accordance with the food hygienics regulations and the HACCP concept, a plant-internal checks and control system must be in place which, in turn, provides for cleaning of plant and operating floors, rooms, systems and appliances as well as for storage and transportation facilities in order for food safety to be assuredly guaranteed. In which context, it should be borne in mind that germs and bacteria find their way into a plant’s production areas through a multitude of ways and channels, making it incumbent upon those responsible to take appropriate measures in order for such inlets or routes of access to be closed or minimized at the least.
Cleaning and disinfection of product and production facilities as well as working tools, operating appliances, and of sales rooms or retail stores are part of everyday routine. All those in the business of processing, storing or selling meat must provide for a hygienic standard that, in turn, fulfills all legal requirements while also translating the plant’s appearance to an attractive business card for customer contact.
Floor drains and ducts must be in place so that waste water can run off safely. Plant installations also pose a risk factor that should not be underestimated. Example: when smell or odor-sealing closures are removed for cleaning, an unprotected opening into the waste water canal pipe can open the door for millions of germs to make their way into the production facilities, and it should also be noted that rinsing water contains a high concentration of bacteria, too.
In terms of both drainage as well as other hygienically sensitive spots in the production plant, manufacturers have developed a multitude of systems, appliances as well as cleaning methods and agents in order for the necessary hygienic sanitation to be always assured, again and again, on an everyday basis. Another point deserving attention is that (flying) insects also pose a high risk and danger potential. Infested and/or contaminated foods at sales counters or, for that matter, live or dead insects at show windows, always leave a bad impression in customers’ minds, while at the same time laying witness to poor hygiene. So in their fight against vermins of whatever kind, food plants cannot afford to make any compromises.
Bypass-proof hygiene junction
- picture: Mohn This hygiene junction comes with an inevitable walk-through guidance. full size
While cleaning and disinfection of equipment and appliances is a task that can be fulfilled with relative ease, personal hygiene of staffers entering the production plant is frequently seen as a santitational soft spot. Equipment specialist Mohn of Kierspe, Germany, has now developed a hygiene junction that is not only about handwash basins and disinfection systems. Much rather, when someone walks through the plant’s entrance junction, making use of the cleaning and disinfecting systems is a built-in must, because penetration is automatically barred by the integrated turnstiles for anyone failing to do so. Soles of boots or clogs as well as palms of hands are cleaned and disinfected in the walk-through process. Two horizontally placed rotating brushes, covered by a stainless steel grating, are there to clean and disinfect soles in the first phase, with sensors activating them automatically upon someone entering a junction, whereupon the optimum amount of detergent is put in place via a metering pump, also in full automation. In order to make sure that passage through a hygiene junction is possible with disinfected hands only, two sensors automatically detect the hands, spraying a disinfectant solution on them for a previously stipulated amount of time. Disinfection of soles is simultaneously performed by a disinfecting tub placed at the same point where hand disinfection takes place. In addition, and as the manufacturer points out, this hygiene junction can readily be equipped with an additional time or enter-recording/monitoring device seen as a particular benefit for the entrance of hygienically highly sensible slicer rooms. Turning to installation of the Cleancontrol hygiene junction, Mohn states that a placement area of 1.7 u 2.0 m (or, depending upon type of model, up to 2.6 m) is sufficient. The junction system itself can be delivered in five different models and is seen as particularly suitable for a medium to high personnel traffic at the hygiene junction. In places where only little place is available or where the number of personnel employed is lower, a smaller solution for the plant entrance region will oftentimes be sufficient as well.
Regular sterilizing of knives and sharpening steels is legally required, making applicable technical equipment installation in production plants an absolute necessity. As for temperature control and monitoring, Mohn appliances are there to provide for pertinent assurance by a digital thermometer placed within a regular field of vision, with an integrated temperature monitor making for degree-accurate compliance with the water temperature required. Even more safety is guaranteed by the system’s dual-wall housing design. An integrated overflow always assures an optimum water level, and the overall system’s hygienic design lets water flow off downward at all times.
In addition to all that, a dry-run protection has also been built in so as to prevent heating spirals from burning through. And lastly, the slot openings are provided with plastic sheeting for a more gentle treatment of knives, as direct contact of the blades with the basin’s metal is thereby prevented.
Small surfaces cleaned by machine
- picture: Kärcher The scrub vacuum cleaner type BR 40/10 is also suitable for small rooms and storage areas. full size
The new scrub vacuum cleaner BR 40/10 C from Kärcher of Winnenden, Germany, is suitable for small and deposit-type surfaces as well. As the manufacturer indicates, it is designed for efficient cleaning of areas from 100 to 400 m2 in size and designed for versatile uses, such as scrubbing, water uptake and polishing. The easily maneuverable machine is also emphasized to be in no way second to bigger models in terms of its cleaning performance. As such, the new BR 40/10 C type is as efficient in performance as its preceding model, while additionally offering more comfortable and convenient handling, to again quote from the manufacturer’s own product statement, where such new functional elements as suction turbine, brush drive and water input are specified as functions that can be controlled readily, and without any personal effort, simply by turning the switch on the handle, or by the foot pedal. The model variant Classic is conceived for easier cleaning jobs, while model Advance comes with turn switch for increasing the press-on pressure in four stages up to 200 g/cm2. Two counter rotating roller brushes, each 400 mm wide, make for cleaning close to rims and edges; and forward or reverse operation requires no more than simply pushing the handle into the appropriate position. While the two front and rear end suction beams reabsorb the lineup of dirt thereby deposited. Thanks to the roller brush rpm rate of 1,100 rev./min the scrubber/vacuum cleaner can also be used as a polishing machine. A noise-dampened turbine is pointed out by Kärcher as making for quiet, low-noise operation. As for another point highlighted in the product statement, filling and emptying of the fresh and dirt water tanks, each holding 10 l, is an easy and convenient job as well: They can simply be removed from the system’s frame together, being hand-carried by a handle much like a shopping bag. In no more than a simple grip of hand, the two rapid closers connecting both tanks are loosened, with the fresh water tank so flat that it can simply be filled in a handwash basin. Kärcher’s model variant type Advance also comes with two transportation wheels useful for moving the machine over thresholds or on stairs, for example. When not needed, they can readily be placed within the pushing bow arm which, in turn, can be tilted together in order for the appliance, only 30 kg in weight, to be stowed away, or, for another example, to be lifted up by its two handles and placed into the trunk of a car. Turning to another point in the manufacturer’s product information sheet, simple maintenance has yet been another design focal point. Example: the suction lips can be loosened without any effort, and exchanging brushes is also a simple push button matter.
Powerful product range add-on
- picture: Nilfisk-Alto Srubtec R 371: a powerful addition to the vacuum cleaner range for efficient floor cleaning. full size
With its sit-on vacuum scrub cleaners of the Scrubtec R 3 series, Bellenberg, Germany-based Nilfisk-Alto intends to close the gap between its small walk-along and the big sit-on cleaning machines. The new product family is of compact construction and designed to bring speed and comfortable convenience as convincing elements to the job. With a noise level of 60.8 dB(A), its new Scrubtec R 3 models are particularly appropriate for daily cleaning jobs in noise-sensitive environmental areas, as the manufacturer points out, adding that vacuum scrubbers of this series get done with cleaning jobs in the easy to medium range in an efficient and dependable way and manner. Thanks to its battery-supported drive, the Scrubtec R 3 is a unit that comes with great mobility. To again quote from the manufacturer’s own statement, this model offers the driver convenient operation, its small outward dimensions (1,450 u 658 u 1,250 mm) notwithstanding. As such, seat and pedal are ergonomcially designed, while the steering wheel can be readily adjusted with a few grips of hand only.
Apart from its low noise level, the Scrubtec R 3 also offers a good field of vision which, as Nilfisk-Alto points out, will serve to raise the unit’s maneuverability to an even higher level in places where space is tight. Via a one-touch operating panel, all cleaning functions come under central control. A broad collision protector, non-marking wheels as well as brushes designed for automatic switch-off when the machine is stopped, all make for a gentle and traceless cleaning performance, as the manufacturer indicates, adding that the individually adjustable brush pressure and suction foot, which automatically lifts itself when the Scrubtec moves in reverse, are also serving this end. To again quote from the manufacturer’s own product statement, the machine comes with robust fresh and dirt water tanks of polyethylene, each with a 75-l capacity. Also provided is a float system that automatically stops the use water suction process when the dirt water tank is full. In which case the tank (with a removable lid) can be emptied and cleaned with just a few manual moves necessary. Also noted is the fact that the other components of the Scrubtec R 3 are brought into line with high productivity. As such, there is the 500 W suction motor for one thing, while a large fresh water filter reliably governs the brushes’ supply for another. The vacuum scrubber’s suction lips can be used on all four sides and, if needed, be readily changed without any tools necessary. With the assist of a 24 V battery protected by an automatic switch-off device, and thanks to an on-board battery charger that can be loaded anywhere with great flexibility, the manufacturer also wants to guarantee long Scrubtec R 3 operating intervals.
High in performance and variety
- picture: Kitzinger Crate washing systems must offer reliable cleaning for many years. full size
Significant qualitative differences in the design and makeup of continuous-flow washing systems, and the machines’ own high-quality status are important factors intended to become even more foreground focal points at Kitzinger, the Flensburg, Germany-based special equipment manufacturing company. Independent from its hourly performance, a crate washing system must offer many years of reliable functioning in practice; and over and above that, energy and cleaning agent need must be as low as possible, while the machine as such must lend itself to fast and simple cleaning as well, with easy operation also a factor that must be a given. Those are the central requirements the above named equipment manufacturer intends to be fulfilled with its cleaning systems. Offering a performance range of 200 to 4,000 crates per hour, Kitzinger wants to cover the entire field of cleaning needs. Blow-off devices, conveyor technology and comprehensive service are also there to round off the company’s overall washing equipment supply and performance range.
Stainless steel for cleanliness
- picture: Wiedemann-Technik With a stainless steel floor inlet, water runs off in a hygienic manner. full size
Anyone processing raw meat into fresh foodstuffs knows full well how important cleanliness, sanitation and hygiene are for a flawless and high-quality product to be manufactured. In which context it is in particular the butcher businesses that should bear in mind, and watch out for, hygienically flawless operating appliances and tools, surfaces and waste water drainage ducts.
And it is at this point that Wiedemann-Technik of Husum, Germany, wants to partner with processing plants on the basis of the company’s products made of pure stainless steel. As such, the company has specialized on the production and use of stainless steel dehydration systems, floor inlets and high-hygiene equipment. Further to that point, Wiedemann also banks on modern technology: In a deep-drawing process, floor inlets are practically formed without any welding seams, to quote from the manufacturer’s own statement, so that a flawless surface is sure to be created. In combination with long radii at the housing’s bottom, the rotational dynamics of water running off receive additional support. And it is in this way and manner that a self-cleaning effect is to be created with dirt corners being avoided at the same time. Dewatering ducts, as such fortified with welded profiles inside, are there to convey waste water to the floor-mounted inlets. The duct’s large adhesive areas are meant to allow for a strong and impervious interconnection with the top floor’s different materials.
But hygiene and sanitation do not stop at the floor, with doors checking in as important plant hygiene elements as well. So Wiedemann also offers meat processing plants door models completely made of stainless steel, with the inside construction, including stiffening reinforcement sheeting to accommodate sealing strips and upper door locks, of stainless steel as well. And with a view to door frames and paneling, the company banks on spoilage-proof material as well. As such, all door frames are fully welded, as the manufacturer points out, in order for dirt and bacteria pockets to be positively excluded with regularly scheduled cleaning. And as Wiedemann-Technik also indicates, neither scratches nor bends, as may result from daily work, can impair the door’s proper functioning, with hygiene fully maintained.
By way of its range of products, the company wants to support meat processing plants in their effort to secure hygienic and sanitational operation sequences so they can satisfy all the high-level hygiene requirements and manufacture flawless meat products as a result.
Hygienic wet room dewatering
- picture: Blücher The dual labyrinth siphon reduces the germ count in barred water by 98 percent. full size
Floor drain and siphon system play a major role in plant hygiene and sanitation. It is particularly in critical areas coupled with the highest hygienic requirements, that a sanitationally high-quality solution is needed.
And exactly that is what systems specialist Blücher of Reichenau, Germany, attests to with its dual labyrinth siphon for dewatering systems irrespective of whether ducts or drains are in place. As the company furthermore states, the dual labyrinth siphon will reduce the number of germs in dammed water by approx. 98 percent, while also preventing an open access to the canal system. To explain, the siphon formation as such, in other words the stream-flow behavior inside the welded-in dual labyrinth, is distinctly better than is the case with systems of standard design. Further to that statement of the manufacturer, the possibility of ducting via a screw joint opening for chamber or rinse-type processes is still a given in case of emergency. A dual labyrinth system for input water exchange, in itself coupled with the highest possible hygiene result, will thereby make for the best possible germ source reduction.
The dual labyrinth siphon is also emphasized by Blücher as one of the first systems of this type which does not allow for dirt deposits in the siphon area itself, meaning that it could functionally also be described as self-cleaning. Turning to bacteriological aspects, the company again points to good results. Turning to its practical use possibilities, the dual labyrinth siphon can be employed with singular drains (vertical or horizontal) or inside waste water drainage ducts as well.
Hygienically clean in no time
- picture: Ecolab Penguin Foam allows effective cleaning in an environmentally friendly manner. full size
Penguin Foam fulfills all requirements that butcher shops or slaughterhouses must meet, to quote the promise made by Ecolab. As the Düsseldorf, Germany-based company states, a hose length of 15 m is all that is needed for the user to reach every angle in the room.
The wall-mounted cleaning system consists of a canister, a hose and a nozzle holder. In compliance with all legal requirements currently in place (EN 1717) the Penguin Foam system is operated by way of pictograms. Five different products are there to achieve the respective cleaning results required.
Thanks to its optimized foam quality, Penguin Foam provides for better cleaning results, as the manufacturer points out, adding that the foaming and after-rinse function lets chemical and mechanical cleaning become possible.
The color-coded product allocation counteracts possible mistakes in use, while accurate dosage is seen as making for hygienic safety and economically efficient as well as ecologically correct cleaning results.
Over and above that, Ecolab also views the system’s reduced water consumption as contributing to environmental protection efforts.
Brushes for higher requirements
- picture: Haug Color-coded hygiene brushes help to prevent dirt and bacteria transfer into other areas. full size
Pursuant to the Food Hygiene Regulation (LMHV = the German food hygiene regulation as currently in place) and the HACCP concept, a given plant’s internal checks and control system must provide for measures to clean production and processing areas, rooms, systems and equipment units as well as storage and transportation facilities, in order for food safety to be guaranteed.
In which context, translating the HACCP concept into practice makes cleaning brushes with color-coded trimmings a must much as the ones offered by the Haug company of Königsbrunn, Germany. These color-coded brushes are used to operationally separate hygienically sensitive cleaning and working premises from one another, and also to preclude the transfer of dirt and bacteria.
Given the certification by the European Brush Makers’ Federation (F.E.I.B.P.) users can be sure that the brush products they obtain are in conformity with all relevant sanitation and hygiene regulations. And as the manufacturer further points out, the (German) Food Inspectors’ Federation also recommends the use of Haug hygienic brushes.
Using paint as mold protection
- picture: Redelfs Mold protection paint products for use in the food business: simple and safe elimination of existing infestation and prevention of recurrence. full size
The use of unsuitable wall colors frequently results in fungal mold formation. Such colors can, in fact, contain substances serving as a microbe substrate, thereby promoting uninhibited growth of mold fungi at walls and ceilings. To prevent that from happening, Redelfs of Kelkheim, Germany, offers its range of mold protection paints which, specifically developed for food business companies, are indicated to eliminate soilings and contaminations that already exist and to prevent recurrence, doing so with just one paint coat most of the time.
Mold protection paint products from Redelfs are consistent with all pertinent European precepts currently in place while also having the evaluation grade ‘excellent’ from the well-known Germany-based Fraunhofer Institute to show for, as the manufacturer underscores, adding that all problem cases occurring in the food business environment are reliably covered by just three different types of paint coat.
Given that, the following paint products are available for renovation: type RF-10 for cooling and work/processing rooms, water based, easy to use and apply, and highly white in color; RF-20 for isolating light to medium brown shading, as colored by smoke for example, again solvent-free, water based and showing a brilliant white; and RF-100 for heavily browned or sooted areas, that product containing solvents. As an extra note, RF mold protection paints are available as regular on-stock products at numerous butcher supply stores.
Stopping the flying insect plague
- picture: Rentokil Luminos Economy offers effective protection against flying insects. full size
One single housefly can transfer up to 2 million bacteria, thereby constituting a hygienic risk for the butcher business and meat processing plants. Infested or contaminated foods at sales counters, or insects at sales stores’ show window panes, whether living or dead, will always leave a bad impression on customers while also laying evidence to poor hygienic practice.
With its Luminos Economy flying insect capture system, Rentokil of Düsseldorf, Germany, offers a hygienically comprehensive protection from flying insects. The insect control device has been especially developed for professional use in sales as well as production rooms of those in the butcher business.
As such, Luminos Economy is equipped with a special 36-watt UVA tube with a lure effect. As soon as an insect flies into the device, two large special adhesive foil strips at the unit housing’s back and bottom side arrest it right there in a hygienic manner.
Insect killer with adhesive foil
- picture: Dekur This insect exterminator lures flying insects with a special UV light. full size
The new insect exterminator from Dekur of Koblenz, Germany, lures flying insects of whatever kind by way of emitting a special UV light. But instead of putting the insects to death at a voltage grid by electricity, these new devices are designed to arrest them in place by way of an adhesive foil.
These adhesive foil strips can be readily exchanged with a single grip of hand, as the manufacturer states, adding that they are integrated into the control devices in such a way that neither the foils themselves nor the insects caught on their surface are visible. They are also suitable for monitoring and hence in conformity with HACCP provision, as Dekur affirms.
The company furthermore points out that even the smallest insects can be safely arrested without a problem and without any noise or odor occurring.
The units are made of steel or V2A stainless steel, and are designed for free suspension from the ceiling or for stationary installation at the wall. As a final note, the manufacturer also points to the fact that the effective range of these units covers an area of 50320 m2.
