Cross-contamination in Food processing Plants

Cross-contamination in food processing facilities can occur in ways that may not even be visible as there are many unexpected ways in which bacteria can travel. Awareness of these potential causes of cross-contamination will aid in the maintenance of a sanitary food processing environment.

• Post-Harvest Contamination

Workers that go from the area of sorting the raw material upon arrival to processing zones are susceptible to spreading bacteria from unclean hands touching food or food-contact surfaces.

• Cross-Contamination from Storage Bins

Stacking storage bins directly onto soil or areas outside the processing facility and then bringing the containers into the facility can also bring bacteria into a clean environment.

•  Contamination from Footwear

When employees walk in fields, compost sites, or other areas outside of clean zones, they can bring bacteria into a processing facility on their feet.

•   Contamination from Mobile Equipment

The same challenge applies to carts or other mobile equipment that is transported between processes, clean production areas and  compost areas.

•   Improper Hand Hygiene

Handwashing facilities for sanitary areas must be maintained so that they have a safe level of bacteria.

https://blog.decon7.com/blog/7-unexpected-areas-of-cross-contamination-in-food-processing-facilities