5 Ways To Maintain Food Safety In An Older Facility

The article highlights five steps that can be taken to ensure an older food facility meets modern-day food safety standards:

1. Regularly inspect the roof for leaks: Roof leaks can lead to mold, bacterial growth, temperature changes, and external contaminants. Conduct routine roof inspections to catch leaks early and prevent damage.

2. Maintain floors and address pooling water: Cracked floors and pooling water can pose risks. Consider using floor coatings to change the pitch and direct water toward drains. Regularly maintain drains to avoid issues and erosion under the floor.

3. Keep door seals and sweeps in good condition: Doors can be a source of contamination. Ensure interior facility doors have proper air seals, and maintain rubber sweeps on exterior doors. Regularly test and replace seals and sweeps as needed.

4. Repair damaged walls promptly: Punctured walls, caused by collisions or forklifts, create areas that are difficult to clean and can harbor bacteria. Patch any holes in walls to prevent contamination from spreading beyond the surface.

5. Conduct routine surveys for bacterial growth: Implement ongoing surveys by quality assurance or maintenance/engineering teams to test processing areas. Consider the highest-risk areas and prioritize testing accordingly. Test the entire plant at least once a year, with high-risk areas tested monthly or more frequently if needed.

By implementing these measures, an older facility can maintain food safety standards and prevent potential issues.