Painting contractors know that the food processing industry has some of the toughest requirements when it comes to food safe floor covering applications. Food products, after all, require special care in processing and handling, and the environment where these products are processed, specifically the floor covering system, must ensure a food-safe installation.
Chief among these requirements are the environmental conditions in most food processing facilities, which are not like any ordinary production facility. Food preparation areas are filled with constant human and mechanical activities such as loading, packing, cleaning, food assembly, storage, and the like. Then there are the ingredients – oils, acids, and chemicals – that are commonly handled or spilled on facility floors. Either of these environmental conditions requires food safe floor covering systems resistant to this type of daily abuse.
The second consideration is that food processing plants are naturally under the influence of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which requires food manufacturers and processors to comply with their safety and health regulations. Food safe floor covering systems must be able to support regulated sanitation and safety standards set by the FDA.
FDA Flooring System Regulations for Food Processing Plants
The FDA has safety and hygiene regulations that require strict compliance by the food processing industry. Food processors will not be able to operate without FDA certification. Even existing plants are still in danger of being fined or closed if the FDA finds evidence of non-compliance. There is also the possibility of forced product recalls, urged by the FDA, if a quality inspection reveals violations of the standards. Either of these situations could cost the plant significant business losses.
The FDA has strict quality guidelines for food processing facilities because it protects the population against health-threatening pathogens, such as me. coli, listeria gold salmonella. These pathogens thrive in poorly processed foods and unhealthy environments, and can be transmitted to the food-consuming community.
Food processing plants must keep areas clean at all times. This includes floors that must be easy to clean and sanitize. This means that these products are durable and resistant to sanitizing chemicals and frequent cleaning.
FDA Food Grade Floor Coatings and Finishes
Section III of the Food Establishment Plan Review Guide covers FDA design, installation, and construction recommendations for food facilities. Part 10 of this section covers specific guidelines on floor finishes.
Commercial grade or quarry grade vinyl composition tiles, as well as sealed and seamless poured concrete, are the approved finishes for kitchens, food preparation and storage rooms, and waste disposal and washing areas in facilities. food manufacturing. This is also true for walk-in chill and freeze areas, with the addition of stainless steel and synthetic materials poured. Use of any materials other than these must be submitted to the FDA for evaluation and approval.
The reason these finishes are acceptable is that they make floors smooth, non-absorbent, and easy to clean. Additionally, food grade floor coverings of epoxy, silicone or polyurethane based materials are required to maintain floor performance and provide long lasting performance.
FDA regulations do not cover any specific floor covering formulation, per se. The material composition of the coatings is what is considered in determining food-safe floor coatings. Non-toxic materials are preferred, as are materials that would not provide an environment for the proliferation of harmful pathogens or food contaminants.