Today’s food and beverage sector is shaped by a hyperaware industry and consumer, resulting in rapidly evolving food safety regulations. A report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) regarding an outbreak in a ready-to-at (RTE) meat production facility showcase just how difficult and time consuming it can be to ensure safe, compliant food production. The report also highlights the critical role of sanitation and facility integrity in maintaining food safety and protecting brand reputation. 

Facility issues – such as cracked floors, rusting surfaces, roof leaks and condensation buildup – can quickly become breeding grounds for bacteria that put consumer health and employee safety at risk. Meat and poultry facilities require specialized coatings that enhance hygiene, can withstand rigorous cleaning and maintain compliance with FDA and USDA standards.

Why Coatings Selection Matters

With increasing regulatory oversight, broader testing for contaminants and stricter facility inspections, meat and poultry processors must implement proactive risk mitigation strategies. Investing in high-performance coatings is a crucial step in maintaining hygiene, regulatory compliance and operational efficiency. Here are the top attributes to consider when selecting coatings for a food processing facility:

Seamless, Non-Porous Coatings 

Coatings for the entire facility – floors, walls, ceilings, roofs and more – should provide a smooth, seamless barrier that eliminates cracks and crevices where bacteria can thrive. Roof coatings, in particular, play a vital role in preventing leaks that could introduce contaminants and compromise facility integrity. Look for coatings that are designed to resist moisture penetration and microbial growth. This will promote strict sanitation standards and ensure a safer processing environment. 

Heavy-Duty, Slip-Resistant Flooring 

Meat and poultry facilities require durable, slip-resistant flooring to ensure worker safety in wet, greasy environments. Opt for high-performance coatings that provide a textured surface, as this will mitigate slips, trips and falls while also meeting strict safety standards and withstanding intense cleaning protocols. These coatings should also be designed to withstand heavy machinery traffic, maintaining their integrity under the stress of forklifts, carts and other equipment frequently used in processing facilities. Investments in coatings that balance durability with traction ensure long-term safety and performance in high-traffic areas.

Durability for Rigorous Cleaning

Food processing environments require frequent high-temperature and chemical-intensive cleaning. It is key to select coatings that are engineered to endure aggressive sanitation protocols without deteriorating. Identify coatings that have chemical and abrasion resistance, as this can extend the life of facility surfaces, reducing maintenance costs and downtime. High-performance coatings should also be resistant to thermal shock, ensuring that rapid temperature fluctuations do not cause cracking. Furthermore, coatings with impact resistance help surfaces withstand daily operations, such as dropped tools and heavy equipment movement. 

Additionally, facility site surveys can help to identify potential risks. Work with specialists who can provide tailored coatings plans with targeted solutions for floors, walls, ceilings, roofs and other critical surfaces to ensure durability, cleanability and compliance with food safety regulations. For maintenance projects specifically, these surveys can help identify pain points and areas for increased protection. 

Protecting Facilities and Consumer Trust

Facility integrity directly impacts food safety and consumer perception. High-performance coatings provide a crucial layer of defense, helping food and beverage processing facilities meet and exceed safety standards. These coatings not only ensure a hygienic environment but also add significant durability to facility surfaces. By extending the lifecycle of these surfaces and minimizing maintenance downtime, they prove to be a cost-effective solution. With the right solutions, companies can confidently navigate regulations, reduce risks and reinforce their commitment to providing safe food to their customers.

Now is the time for proactive facility management. Don’t wait for an inspection to reveal vulnerabilities – utilize site surveys and invest in coatings designed to handle the rigors of food and beverage manufacturing.