The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that each year, approximately 1 in 6 Americans, or 48 million people, are affected by foodborne illnesses in the United States. Out of these, 128,000 are hospitalized due to severe symptoms, and tragically, up to 3,000 lose their lives to complications related to these illnesses.
Think about how bad it would be if a foodborne illness outbreak was linked to your California food manufacturing facility. It could lead to expensive recalls and legal problems. It could also badly hurt your reputation and put your whole business at risk. In the food industry, cleanliness isn’t just about looks. It’s an important part of safety and success. That’s where professional food manufacturing cleaning services in California come in.
Below, we’ll talk about how important professional cleaning services are for keeping food safe and stopping foodborne illness outbreaks in California food manufacturing facilities. We’ll cover the role of cleaning schedules, following the FDA Food Code, advanced cleaning techniques and technology, and how working with a professional cleaning service like iNX protects your business.
How Cleaning Schedules Prevent Foodborne Illnesses in California
Proper cleaning and sanitizing are very important in any food manufacturing facility. Without very high standards of cleanliness, germs and bacteria can quickly grow and spread. This can contaminate food products. The risk of foodborne illness because of not cleaning well enough is a danger no business can afford. Luckily, professional food manufacturing cleaning services in California can help lower this risk.
One of the best ways to make sure all areas are cleaned and sanitized properly is to work with a professional cleaning company that follows a detailed cleaning schedule. This schedule, also called a scope of work, outlines exactly who will clean which areas, how they will be cleaned, and how often. A well-made scope of work provides a clear plan for keeping things clean and lets you hold your cleaning service responsible.
The FDA Food Code and Regulatory Compliance
The FDA Food Code provides a full set of guidelines for keeping food safe in manufacturing facilities. Professional food manufacturing cleaning services in California play an important role in helping facilities meet these standards. Let’s take a closer look at some key parts of the Food Code and how cleaning services make sure they are followed:
Food-Contact Surfaces
The FDA Food Code says that food-contact surfaces, like cutting boards, utensils, and processing equipment, must be cleaned and sanitized at least every 4 hours when used with Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) foods. Professional cleaning services use advanced techniques like high-pressure washing and steam cleaning to remove dirt, grime, and bacteria from these surfaces. They also use EPA-approved sanitizing solutions to make sure any remaining germs are killed.
Nonfood-Contact Surfaces
Nonfood-contact surfaces, like floors, walls, and ceilings, must be cleaned regularly to prevent dirt, dust, and other contaminants from building up. The FDA Food Code requires that these surfaces be cleaned often enough to prevent soil residues from collecting. Professional cleaning services use special equipment, such as ride-on scrubbers and pressure washers, to clean large areas and hard-to-reach spaces efficiently. They also use disinfectants to kill any harmful bacteria or viruses that may be present.
Equipment and Utensils
The FDA Food Code says that equipment and utensils must be designed and made to be easy to clean. Professional cleaning services work with food manufacturing facilities to make sure all equipment and utensils meet these standards. They use special brushes, nozzles, and other tools to clean hard-to-reach areas and take apart equipment for thorough cleaning and sanitizing.
Cleaning and Sanitizing Techniques
Professional food manufacturing cleaning services in California use many advanced techniques to make sure facilities meet FDA Food Code standards. These may include:
- Clean-in-Place (CIP) Systems: CIP systems are automatic cleaning systems that are built into processing equipment. They use heat, pressure, and cleaning solutions to clean and sanitize equipment without having to take it apart. Professional cleaning services can help facilities design and maintain CIP systems to make sure they work as well as possible.
- Foam Cleaning: Foam cleaning involves spraying a foaming cleaning solution on surfaces and equipment. The foam sticks to surfaces, giving the cleaning agents more time to work. Professional cleaning services use special foam generators and nozzles to make sure the foam covers everything evenly and cleans thoroughly.
- Electrostatic Spraying: Electrostatic spraying is a technique that uses an electrically charged mist to evenly coat surfaces with sanitizing solutions. The charged particles are attracted to surfaces, covering everything completely and eliminating the risk of missing spots. Professional cleaning services use advanced electrostatic sprayers to sanitize efficiently and effectively.
Technology and Tools
In addition to advanced cleaning techniques, professional food manufacturing cleaning services in California also use a range of special technology and tools to make sure they follow FDA Food Code standards. These may include:
- ATP Testing: ATP (adenosine triphosphate) testing is a quick method for measuring the presence of organic matter on surfaces. Professional cleaning services use ATP testing to check how well their cleaning and sanitizing procedures worked and to find areas that may need extra attention.
- Microfiber Mops and Cloths: Microfiber mops and cloths are designed to trap and remove dirt, dust, and bacteria from surfaces. They work better than traditional cotton mops and can be washed and reused many times. Professional cleaning services use color-coded microfiber mops and cloths to prevent contamination between different areas of the facility.
- HEPA Filtration Vacuums: HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filtration vacuums are designed to capture and hold small particles, including bacteria and dust. They are important for maintaining air quality and preventing the spread of contaminants in food manufacturing facilities. Professional cleaning services use HEPA filtration vacuums to make sure all areas of the facility are thoroughly cleaned and free of harmful particles.
By using these advanced techniques and technologies, professional food manufacturing cleaning services in California help facilities meet and go beyond FDA Food Code standards. They work closely with facility managers to develop customized cleaning plans that address the unique needs and challenges of each facility, ensuring a safe and compliant food manufacturing environment.
Protect Your Business with iNX
Don’t let poor cleaning practices put your food manufacturing business at risk. Partner with iNX, a leading provider of food manufacturing cleaning services in California, and have peace of mind knowing your facility is in the hands of experts.
Our team of highly trained professionals uses the latest cleaning technologies and techniques to make sure your facility meets the strictest hygiene standards. We’ll work with you to develop a customized cleaning schedule that fits your unique needs and budget, so you can focus on what matters most: producing high-quality food products.
Contact iNX today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help protect your business from the dangers of contamination. Don’t wait until it’s too late – invest in the cleanliness and safety of your food manufacturing facility with iNX. Fill out the form below to get started!
