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Making the right hygienic choices

03 March 2024

In an industry where hygiene can dictate the success of an entire operation, companies are increasingly seeking innovative solutions to uphold the strictest cleanliness standards. As a result, there is demand for hygienically designed products, which can enhance food safety and shape the way food is processed, stored and distributed, argues Steve Penney.

Hygiene in the dairy sector is paramount, as products are particularly susceptible to contamination. One UK-based dairy, specialising in milk and yogurt production, faced a significant challenge – it needed to source a pallet which could withstand rigorous cleaning in a high care packing area, to help prevent bacterial growth and contamination.

After collaborating with the production team to gain a full understanding of the operation GoPlasticPallets.com was able recommend the Cabka Hygiene 1210 5R – a UK-sized hygiene pallet that would work seamlessly with the dairy’s specialised washing machines. These pallets can endure a wash cycle with low-temperature detergent followed by an 85°C rinse, using residual heat to expedite the drying process. This method ensures 100% dry pallets are ready for immediate reuse – a benefit in a fast-paced industry where production may be required to run 24-hours a day. Implementing Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) testing, the dairy has been able to quantitatively ensure the hygiene of the pallets, in accordance with stringent industry standards.

Chicken production
Another customer – a manufacturer of chicken products – needed to be able to defrost chicken evenly, while avoiding any potential for cross-contamination and maximising safety –a common concern in poultry processing.

Following initial discussions GoPlasticPallets.com provided a two-fold solution –Perforated stack and nest plastic crates, and white Cabka Hygienic 1210 3R pallets, with three runners. This particular pallet is smooth, closed, easy to clean and therefore very sterile. When a closed-deck pallet has come into contact with ingredients, such as chicken or dairy, they can be easily cleaned as there are no dirt traps for liquids or residual food to be retained. By choosing a white pallet, the production team was also able to conduct visual hygiene checks more effectively, providing added peace of mind.

The frozen chicken is placed within the perforated crates, before being placed on the pallets. They are then placed through a microwave tempering tunnel oven system that defrosts the chicken evenly and safely. After this process, both the crates and pallets undergo thorough cleaning in an automated washing machine. The company is now using 9,000 crates and 195 pallets across its operation. 

Implications and standards
The stakes have never been higher in the food processing industry and these case studies illustrate the importance of reliable, cleanable, and durable food processing aids. As businesses strive for impeccable hygiene, suppliers to the industry must continue to research and monitor developments and trends across the sector. They need to be able to ask the right questions to ensure the most suitable solutions are identified for each specific application.

Steve Penney is UK Key Sales Account Manager at goplasticapallets.com.


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