Many food manufacturers are reviewing their current processes and production lines in response to a growing consumer interest in ingredients. In particular, manufacturers must focus on eliminating the possibility of cross contamination and improve existing products to ensure compliance with food safety regulations. 

For the latter, this can result in a change in the product recipe, for example a food manufacturer looking to reduce ingredients such as salt and sugar.

So, what should manufacturers be considering in their production lines to adapt their production processes and meet the expectations of the health food revolution? One of the key pieces of equipment to consider is the conveyor.

Cross-contamination 

The prevalence of food allergies has increased greatly since the 1960s, particularly among children. Potential causes for cross-contamination in a food processing plant include the traditional conveyor belt that is used to move products through each stage of the process. The more complex the conveyor, the more difficult it is to clean, which increases the possibility of bacteria.

For example, screw conveyors use a rotating helical screw blade within a tube to move liquid or granular materials and are designed with a closed casing to protect employees from harm. This makes it difficult to carry out a thorough clean as some of the components are not accessible, which increases the possibility of bacteria growing.

While linear feeders use electromagnetic coil pulses to move product back and forth, conveying is not limited to the linear movement of goods. More complex systems often feature bucket elevators that allow products to be moved vertically through the line.

This complexity places a responsibility on plant managers to invest in conveying equipment that can be thoroughly cleaned and therefore mitigate any potential contamination issues between flavours and allergens. For example, Gough Engineering’s Easy Clean conveyor has a removable belt allowing the equipment to be easily dissembled and cleaned, so manufacturers can comply with hygiene standards.

A belt conveyor such as this, with a tubular design, eliminates the need for the conveyor to be supported by a solid plate. Solid plates have a higher number of horizontal ledges and crevices where bacteria can grow, so using a conveyor with an alternative design can contribute to better standards of hygiene.

In addition, manufacturers can also use process control systems to monitor food products through different stops in the supply chain. This means that if a food recall does occur, manufacturers can identify the specific products that have been affected and find ways of eliminating any issues throughout the process, ensuring food production remains safe.

Traceability allows manufacturers to improve their production lines as the data collected shows if there are any gaps or issues that could be altered to improve the plant’s efficiency. This is especially valuable when a plant needs to adjust its production lines to change recipes and meet market expectations. 

Food processing plants must be able to adapt their production lines quickly and effectively. By seeking the assistance of experts in food handling management in the initial stages, manufacturers can make sure they are prepared to meet demand.