Cleaning and Sanitizing Conveyor Belts in Food Facilities

Hygiene is as important as cleanliness in food processing facilities. Raw materials, semi-manufactured commodities, andthe final products are all transported through the lines of manufacturing with the help of these conveyor belts. Conveyor belts have to be regularly cleaned as well as sanitized so that they can help prevent contamination and preserve food safety as they come into direct touch with the food items. Particularly in the high-risk food processing businesses, such as bakeries and seafood processing.

Why Conveyor Belt Hygiene Matters

Contamination, even in the little levels or the small levels can result in health risks, financial loss as well as brand disregard in one of the most crucial processes, which is food processing. Conveyor belts, play a crucial role in many stages of the process of food production that is from the shipping of raw and processed products to the carrying of bread or in baking plants.

Health as well as safety agencies, including the FDA, USDA, as well as others enforce these stringent cleanliness standards that guide the business of food. One of the most important requirements for meeting such rules and ensuring the final product security is having clean conveyor belts

Types of Conveyor Belts Used in Food Facilities

The kinds of conveyor belts that are utilized in food facilities are given below as follows.

1.     PU conveyor belts: polyurethane (PU) conveyor belts are frequently found in food facilities due to their ease of cleaning, resistance to oils and fats, and ability to endure dirt and wear. The majority of these bets are suitable for coming into touch with food and have FDA approval.

2.     Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) conveyor belts are used in the food industry as well, albeit they are not as durable as PU belts. In processing lines where cleaning is the priority, PVC belts are widely used.

3. Fabric Conveyor Belts: fabric, conveyor belts are utilized in bakeries as well as other high-moisture areas. Fabric belts are somewhat hard to clean as they are porous, so thorough cleaning is essential cleaning is essential.

How to Sanitize PU Conveyor Belts in Bakery and Seafood Plants

Sanitizing conveyor belts, not only helps in washing the surface but also ensures the removal of contaminants that can threaten food safety. Following is a step-by-step process for sanitizing the PU conveyor belt, chiefly in bakery and seafood plants.

1. Switch Off and Isolate the Equipment

Before starting the cleaning process, ensure that all the equipment is turned off and the conveyor belt is disconnected from the rest of the system. This is to ensure that there is no food product exposed to pollution as per the process of cleaning.

2. Remove Loose Debris

The initial step to remove in cleaning any conveyor belt is the removal of loose food particles, crumbs, or debris. This can be understood and known by using a vacuum cleaner or a hand brush employed in food plants. In bakery plants, it can be flour dust, dough residue, as well as other small particles. In seafood plants, this can be slime, bones, or fish scales.

3. Utilize a Food-Safe Cleaner

After the surface waste is taken out, wash the conveyor belt using a food-grade cleaning solution or a detergent. The cleaning solution applied should be compatible with the belt material, particularly for PU belts that need cleaning clarifications that do not destroy the honesty of the belt.

4. Clean the Belt

Wash the whole surface of the conveyor belt using a soft-bristled brush. Ensure that you get into the nooks and crannies on the surface of the conveyor belt where food particles can get trapped. Rough brushes should not be used as they could destroy the surface of the belt. For PU conveyor belts, a brush that is soft enough, not to scratch the smooth, nonporous finish of the belt should be used.

5. Sanitize the Belt

Sanitizing the belt is essential to kill unsafe and dangerous bacteria and pathogens on the conveyor belt. Use a sanctioned food-contact surface sanitizer, such as chlorine-based or alcohol-based sanitizer, as per the policy of the facility, the sanitizer is valuable according to the manufacturers' instructions and left on the belt for the specified contact time

6. Dry the Belt

After providing the disinfecting and cleaning solution with sufficient contact time, rinse the belt once more to eliminate any of the remaining sanitizer. Dry the conveyor belt completely before its reuse. This is required as wetness will make bacteria grow, and it's essential the belt is dry whenever it comes into contact with food products.

8. Inspect the Belt

Before you use the conveyor belt again, inspect it for any sign of wear, tear, or food buildup that may have been left behind when cleaning it. Upkeep  will allow a person to identify any area that needs further maintenance or cleaning.

Best Practices for Maintaining Clean Conveyor Belts

1. Regular Cleaning Schedule

Develop a routine cleaning schedule that accommodates the production cycle. For high-volume food processing operations, cleaning may be necessary, several times a day, chiefly in seafood as well as bakery operations with fats, water, and oils are prevalent.

2. Use Non-Abrasive Brushes and Cleaning Tools

to avoid, causing harm to the conveyor belt, utilize only non-abrasive cleaners, in addition to cleaning devices. Abrasives will wear or scratch the surface of the belt, becoming more difficult to clean as well as potentially giving bacteria a place to grow

3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Although cleaning must be done with cleaning chemicals, make certain that you do not use harsh chemicals that will harm the conveyor belt material. PU conveyor belts are mainly vulnerable to attack by harsh solvents, so use only a food-grade, non-abrasive cleaner designed for your belt type.

4. Check for Wear and Tear

Check the belts regularly for wear, particularly in high-use areas where the food products are being processed, most often. Replace one belt to prevent contamination as well as to ensure a smooth process of production

5. Training Employees

Ensure that every individual who works on the staff that sanitizes and cleans the conveyor belt is properly trained. Employees should have the awareness of how to clean, and how to use cleaning agents in addition to how to maintain the belts in a good state without terminating them.

Conclusion

To ensure food safety in seafood, bakery along other processing enterprises, sanitizing conveyor belts are the most important. Cleaning the conveyor belt prevents the spread of pollutants and bacteria which helps to save the reputation of the company and make the safety of customers.

Contact Elite Vision Belting for food industry conveyor belts