Food Production Line Safety Issues That Should Not Be Overlooked
In food manufacturing plants, the cleanliness of the production process is extremely important, especially for factories that must comply with food safety standards such as HACCP and FSSC 22000.
One point that many factories may overlook is the quality of compressed air in the food production line, as compressed air may contain contaminants such as oil, oil mist, fine dust, mold, or microorganisms within the system.
If compressed air is used at points related to the food production process, even if it does not directly contact food, it could become a product safety risk.
Problems Encountered On-Site
A food manufacturing plant was concerned about contaminants in its compressed air system, particularly mold and microorganisms that might be present in the compressed air.
In the food industry, there have been cases of voluntary product recalls due to mold issues, which led the factory to question whether its compressed air system was sufficiently safe.
The problems that concerned the factory included:
- Compressed air may be contaminated with mold and microorganisms.
- There might be oil mist or oil present in the air system.
- Points where compressed air indirectly contacts food might still lack sufficient protection.
- Risk to product quality and safety.
- Desire to improve the compressed air system to meet HACCP and FSSC 22000 standards.
Cause Found: Contaminants in Compressed Air
Upon inspecting the cleanliness of compressed air with a Particle Counter, it was found that the compressed air system contained contaminants such as oil mist, microorganisms, and small particles.
These contaminants can originate from various sources, such as moisture in the air system, oil from compressors, or air filtration that is not suitable for food production lines.
Even if a factory does not use oil-free compressors, it can still manage oil and oil mist in compressed air by choosing filters appropriate for the factory environment.
Risks of Compressed Air in Food Manufacturing Plants
Compressed air in food factories may be used at various points, such as blowing, conveying, machine control, or processes related to packaging.
If compressed air is contaminated, it can affect the cleanliness of the production process, especially at points where the compressed air may come into contact with products or areas near food.
Therefore, controlling compressed air quality is one of the important measures for factories aiming to reduce risk factors in the food production process.
Solution: Install Antibacterial & Sterilization 3in1 Multi Dry Filter
To improve the quality of compressed air in the food production line, an Antibacterial & Sterilization 3in1 Multi Dry Filter or 3in1 Multi Dry Filter with antibacterial and sterilization properties was installed.
This filter helps manage contaminants in compressed air, such as water, oil, oil mist, fine dust, and microorganisms, resulting in cleaner compressed air entering the production line.
In this case, the filter was installed in a bread production line as a measure to improve the compressed air system and reduce risk factors that could affect the safety of the food production process.
Results After Installation
After installing the Antibacterial & Sterilization 3in1 Multi Dry Filter and checking the compressed air quality with a Particle Counter, it was found that contaminants in the compressed air measuring 0.3 microns and larger were reduced to zero.
This result helps the factory create a cleaner and safer compressed air system, reduce risk factors in the production process, and enhance confidence in quality in the food production line.
Suitable for Which Types of Factories?
The Antibacterial & Sterilization 3in1 Multi Dry Filter is suitable for factories that require control over compressed air quality in their production processes, such as:
- Food manufacturing plants
- Bakery factories
- Beverage factories
- Factories that must comply with HACCP
- Factories that must comply with FSSC 22000
- Production lines that use compressed air near food or packaging
- Factories concerned about mold, microorganisms, or oil mist in compressed air
- Factories that want to reduce food safety risk factors
Why Food Factories Should Prioritize Compressed Air Quality
Compressed air is part of a production system that can affect product quality if not properly controlled. Contaminants in compressed air, such as oil, dust, mold, or microorganisms, can become risk factors in the production process.
For food factories, improving compressed air quality is not just about machinery; it also relates to product safety, the factory's credibility, and compliance with food safety standards.
Installing an appropriate compressed air filter, such as the Antibacterial & Sterilization 3in1 Multi Dry Filter, is therefore one approach to reduce risks and help ensure cleaner and safer food production lines.
Conclusion
This case study demonstrates that contaminants in compressed air, such as oil mist, mold, microorganisms, dust, and small particles, can be risk factors in the food production process, especially for factories that must consider HACCP and FSSC 22000 standards.
The installation of the Antibacterial & Sterilization 3in1 Multi Dry Filter helps improve compressed air quality, reduces contaminants, and helps create a safer compressed air system for food production lines.
If your factory is looking for ways to manage compressed air quality, reduce oil mist, reduce mold, reduce microorganisms, or enhance food safety measures, checking compressed air quality and choosing suitable filters could be an approach to boost confidence in the production process.
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Reference: https://www.maedauni.co.jp/casestudy/p1054/
