It’s one thing to keep a 175-lb. hell-bent individual out of your plant, but blocking this invisible microbial enemy from sneaking in can be a real challenge
Listeria Monocytogenes (Lm) is difficult enough to keep out of a food plant, but once it gets in, the real challenge begins — as it can take up residence in “secret” places that welcome and protect it. Fortunately, processors don’t have to go it alone.
Dust in the food and beverage industry is much more than a housekeeping nuisance — it’s directly tied to food safety, product quality, worker safety and regulatory compliance.
Though the technology doesn’t change that quickly, HPP capacities keep gradually increasing along with automation to do the heavy lifting and keep tabs on scheduling and maintenance.
For certain high-value products where extended shelf life and preservation of nutrients and vitamins are crucial, HPP offers a bacterial inactivation process that doesn’t interfere with the organoleptic nature of food and beverages.
Keeping bacteria out of food facilities involves a committed risk-based approach to sanitation and being diligent day-to-day in cleaning and keeping records of past bacteria locations—plus training employees to be ever mindful of thorough and effective cleaning.
Some years ago, the television show “Mythbusters” tested the “5-Second Rule”—a belief that food dropped on the floor can be safely picked up and eaten as long as it happens within five seconds. The team tested samples of wet pastrami and dry crackers by placing them on bacteria-infested floor tiles for two and six seconds, then did cultures to see how much bacteria formed compared to a control.