PET Food Processing - September 2021 - 62

OPERATIONS
(SSOP) is the key to a repeatable and reproducible result
when properly verified and validated against the desired
goal, " he said. " Another important concept to consider is
the design of the equipment. Equipment that is hygienically
designed will aid the sanitation process. The equipment
will be easy to disassemble and access and will prevent
harborage areas. "
Many technologies can aid in the process from standard
cleaning tools and equipment to verification/validation
tools and kits to assure sanitation effectiveness.
" Those such as steam cleaning technology for low
moisture environments to complex clean-in-place
(CIP) systems for pipe and tank operations, " Stout said.
" Surface residue and microorganism testing instruments
can aid the process post-cleaning to verify effectiveness
of sanitation execution. "
Although it's not a new technology, more manufacturers
are using bioluminescence to quickly evaluate the
success of their sanitation and disinfection program.
" They will use the technology to measure the amount
and training the people verifying the sanitation of the
Systems specifically
designed to wash
totes, tools and
everything else that
comes in contact
with product can
save both time and
resources.
Douglas Machine Corp.
equipment and areas cannot be understated, " Kohal said.
" Training is the most direct and universal way to achieve
good sanitation practices. Regardless of the type of processing
and size of facility, an educated workforce that
understands the costs and risks of not performing sanitation
correctly is invaluable. "
Another important practice is to assure the sanitation
team is set up for efficient and effective success. Stout
explained this is achieved by pre-sanitation preparation,
following a methodical/sequenced science-based
process, providing them with the tools to clean more
efficiently, engaging other departments while not solely
relying on sanitation to execute.
Sanitation crews often work with a variety of chemicals,
and proper training on the procedures for using
these chemicals is important.
" Without proper preparation of the chemicals, the
cleaning will not be successful in removing biofilms
and getting into places where there may be harborage, "
Rushing said. " The sanitation team should work closely
with their chemical provider to understand and apply
instructions for chemical preparation and use. "
Tech talk
Technologies can and will vary based on the many variables
in any one manufacturing environment. Stout said
the best place to start is with the process, the method,
and all tools/resources needed to be successful at an efficient
and effective sanitation process.
" The Sanitation Standard Operating Procedure
62 PET FOOD PROCESSING | September 2021 | www.petfoodprocessing.net
of soils on various surfaces, then clean to reduce that
number and then measure again to determine the effectiveness
of their cleaning, " Rushing said. " Many manufacturers
also work closely with accreditation labs to
check for bacteria, mold, and even pesticides on raw ingredients
and finished product. Based on the lab's input,
manufacturers will know whether they have a problem
and then can work to correct it. "
Kohal said digitalization and use of appropriate mobile
computers on the plant floor for training and tracking
sanitation tasks streamlines operations and prevents
gaps in documentation and human error.
" The ability to self-audit and quickly act on non-compliances
prepares operations for actual audits and puts
them in a position to have strong food safety regardless of
day, shift, product, audit or any other variables, " he said.
Fostering innovation
Goodway Technologies offers low-moisture dry steam
cleaning equipment that is great for dry pet food manufacturing
facilities because it achieves a much deeper
cleaning on the soils that are present in the environment,
Reyes said.
" The residue left behind by kibble is typically oily and
dusty and hardens up, and the dry steam just melts it
off, " he said. " And because it introduces very minimal
moisture into the environment, it doesn't flood the area,
which is always a concern in dry pet food to prevent
Salmonella growth. "
Nexcor Food Safety Technologies has worked with
manufacturers to streamline training on sanitation execution
tools for the plant floor.
" Being able to operate food safety execution tools like
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