The Pure Hold hygiene handle, developed by Ardo UK in conjunction with NHS prevention specialists, releases sanitising gel onto the user’s hand upon touch. These handles have been installed on all entry points to food processing areas at the Kent plant. They have proved effective in enforcing hand hygiene and reducing the cross-contamination common with normal door handles.

Colin Slater, Technical Director at Ardo UK, said: “The feedback from our employees has been positive and customer technologists have been impressed, both with the handles themselves and Ardo UK’s continuous journey of improvement.”

The site currently meets the BRC Global Standard A-Grade and Green level TFMS and the handles were considered an excellent addition to the current hand washing regime.

Jim Everest, Operations Director at Ardo UK, added: “The handles are a great way to use new technology to ensure a high level of cleanliness is consistently achieved in the factory.”

Matt Roberts, inventor of the handle and Managing Director at Pure Hold said: “We are delighted that our partnership with Ardo has been so successful and that the handles have been so well-received. We all know the dangers of the spread of germs especially in food production facilities and it is great to see a big company like Ardo take such a responsible and proactive approach.”