When it comes to food packaging, safety and cleanliness should always be top priorities. Proper food packaging helps protect food from contamination and damage, while also providing consumers with safe, high-quality products. Here are some tips for maintaining safety and cleanliness during food packaging.
1. START WITH A CLEAN WORKSPACE
Start with a clean workspace. Make sure all surfaces, equipment, and tools used for packaging are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before use. Any dirt, debris, or contaminants can potentially get into the food package. Adopt sanitary equipment and facility design. Be sure to choose easily cleanable materials and smooth, non-porous surfaces when handling food, and minimize hard-to-reach areas or nooks where bacteria can hide. This is why we recommend using stainless steel equipment when handling food because it is easy to wipe down and food-safe.
The Felins Sani-Tyer automatic poultry trusser is a great example of a stainless-steel machine that is food safe. Designed to be washdown-ready, the Sani-Tyer tying machine is perfect for any application within the trussing or food industry. Whether you’re tying roasts, poultry, vegetables, or any other food product, this tyer will improve your productivity and reduce labor costs.
2. PRACTICE GOOD PERSONAL HYGIENE
Food packaging staff should follow strict personal hygiene standards to avoid transmitting bacteria. Require hand washing before starting work, after breaks, after touching face or unsanitary objects. Additionally, staff should wear clean uniforms, disposable gloves, hair nets, and avoid wearing jewelry. Employees should also cover any cuts or open wounds and report illnesses.
Finally, it is important to post signs around the building or factory, reminding staff of proper hand washing techniques and hygiene policies, making sure to monitor compliance daily. One way to accomplish this is by installing hand washing stations near packaging lines. Frequent hand washing is key, you could also ensure stations have touchless faucets, soap dispensers, and paper towel dispensers.
3. ONLY USE FOOD-GRADE PACKAGING MATERIALS
Whether you are using plastic, paper, foam-based material, or anything else, be sure all packaging materials are approved for direct food contact. You should be using food-grade materials because they are non-toxic and help block contamination. Felins can provide food-grade/food-safe material for your packaging needs sustainably. Felins provides food-safe options for labeling, sleeving, and multipacks or club packs while keeping up with sustainability efforts. Instead of using adhesives to secure labels or sleeve to your product, Felins applies paper, plastic, or foam-based bands with tension by using ultrasonic technology to secure everything in place, eliminating backing paper, glues, and stickers.
Further, avoid reusing packaging materials, as they can harbor residual contamination from prior use. Make sure to use new materials for each production batch. It is also important to inspect materials for damage, insects, or signs of improper storage before use. Reject any compromised packaging to prevent issues. Store your packaging materials properly. Keep packaging materials in clean, dry storage areas away from dust, pests, and other contaminants. Protective storage helps keep packaging clean before you use it.
4. MAINTAIN CLEANLINESS IN FACILITIES
Keep facilities free of insects, rodents, and other pests which can spread bacteria. Be sure to use preventative measures like sanitation, traps, or pest control experts. Moreover, train staff on safe practices at the workplace. Educate all your packaging staff on maintaining hygiene, identifying issues, proper food handling, and prevention of cross-contamination. Once someone sees a problem, they should speak up before it becomes a bigger issue.
Following basic food safety procedures during packaging is key to preventing illness outbreaks and recalls down the road. Keeping packaging activities clean should be a top priority for any food manufacturer. With vigilance and proper practices, brands can effectively package foods that are safe for consumers.
Read More:
Sources:
MORE INSIGHT...
LOOK OUT FOR THESE E-COMMERCE PACKAGING TRENDS IN 2024
Discover the upcoming packaging and e-commerce trends in 2024. These changes are set to reshape the way products are packaged and delivered, focusing on sustainability, efficiency, and creative solutions. Let’s take a closer look at the…
Global Produce and Floral Show 2023 – Trade Show Recap with Felins Packaging
The Felins team was thrilled to connect with fresh produce and floral packaging leaders at the vibrant Global Produce and Floral Show (GPFS) 2023 in Anaheim last week. As the premier trade show for the latest in produce and floral products as…
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN DECIDING ON PHARMACEUTICAL PACKAGING
Packaging regulations can be daunting, especially in the highly regulated world of pharmaceuticals. Ensuring that pharmaceutical products are packaged safely, securely, and in compliance with all applicable standards is not only a legal…