How to ensure hygiene and longevity in food processing with washdown-rated conveyors

Every day, food manufacturers face a balancing act – keeping production running smoothly while meeting strict hygiene and safety regulations. Maintaining stringent hygiene standards in food processing environments is essential for ensuring food safety and complying with regulatory requirements.

With constant cleaning, heavy-duty operations, and the risk of contamination, food manufacturing equipment needs to be built to last. One of the best ways to ensure food safety and compliance is by using IP66-rated washdown conveyors. These conveyors are specially designed to handle frequent washdowns, keeping bacteria and contaminants at bay. With conveyors designed to withstand cleaning multiple times a day, your equipment has a longer lifespan, meaning fewer breakdowns and less downtime. Let's take a closer look at why washdown-rated conveyors are a must-have in food processing.

What are washdown-rated conveyors?

Not all conveyors are built equal. Washdown-rated conveyors are specifically engineered to handle the high-pressure cleaning, harsh chemicals, and frequent sanitation that’s common in food processing facilities. If a conveyor is IP66-rated, it indicates that this conveyor is completely dust-tight and protected against powerful water jets, meaning that internal components aren’t impacted by washdowns. This level of protection is crucial for maintaining both hygiene and operational efficiency. Whether you’re working with raw meat, dairy products, or sticky baked goods, these conveyors can be washed down thoroughly enough to prevent bacterial build-up. Unlike a standard conveyor, washdown-rated conveyors are unlikely to corrode or collect debris in hard-to-reach spaces.

Why is hygiene so important in food processing?

Food safety is the top priority in the industry. In New Zealand, the Food Act 2014 sets out strict guidelines for food safety, requiring businesses to follow hygiene practices that prevent contamination. This is important to prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure public safety.

If equipment isn’t up to standard, or can’t withstand regular cleaning, it poses a significant risk of contamination, potentially leading to product recalls, legal penalties, and damage to a business’s reputation. So, why risk it? Investing in the right conveyor system not only ensures compliance but also keeps your operation running safely and efficiently.

The key benefits of washdown-rated conveyors

Washdown-rated conveyors are a game changer for any food processing business. Here’s how they can help:

1. Improved hygiene: Keeping your production line clean is easier when you have equipment designed for it. The design of washdown-rated conveyors uses stainless steel and sealed components that minimise trapped food particles and resist bacterial growth, making them easier to clean and reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
2. Durability: Made with corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel, these conveyors can withstand exposure to water, cleaning agents, and the wear and tear of daily operations. This means you won’t have to replace parts as often, saving you money in the long run.
3. Compliance: By meeting stringent food safety standards, including those outlined in the Food Act 2014, washdown-rated conveyors help your business adhere to regulatory requirements.
4. Efficiency: Cleaning a conveyor can be time-consuming. Washdown-rated conveyors are made for quick, easy cleaning, reducing maintenance time and keeping production running without unnecessary delays.

Design features of washdown-rated conveyors

Key design features that enhance the hygiene and longevity of washdown-rated conveyors include:

• Stainless steel construction: Stainless steel isn’t just strong. It also offers excellent corrosion resistance and is non-porous, preventing the absorption of contaminants. That’s how it protects against the wear and tear of daily cleaning.
• Sealed components: Washdown-rated conveyors are sealed to protect internal parts from water ingress during cleaning, maintaining the performance of the conveyor.
• Modular designs: If you need to clean or replace just one part of your equipment, modular conveyors allow for easy disassembly, facilitating thorough cleaning and maintenance.
• Modular Plastic Belts: The implementation of washdown-rated conveyor systems in food and beverage operations is a smart strategy for upholding both equipment and product hygiene and longevity. These systems safeguard food products from contaminants, and their reliable operation is essential in preventing equipment breakdown, resulting in substantial long-term cost savings.

These features collectively ensure that the conveyors can be effectively sanitised while remaining durable under the demanding conditions of food processing environments.

Applications in food processing

Washdown-rated conveyors are versatile and can be used in a wide range of applications within the food processing industry, including:

• Post-meat processing: Efficiently transporting packaged meat products to freezers or storage areas to maintain strict hygiene standards.
• Packaged goods: Safely handling items like biscuits, chocolate bars, and frozen foods, ensuring contamination-free conveyance.
• Extreme temperature environments: Designed to operate effectively in conditions ranging from ambient temperatures to as low as -40°C, washdown-rated conveyors are suitable for various processing and storage applications in extreme environments.

Why choose MCL for washdown-rated conveyor solutions?

At MCL, we specialise in designing and manufacturing custom conveyor systems that address the unique challenges of the food processing industry. Our team works closely with clients to develop solutions that meet hygiene and durability requirements, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations and enhancing operational efficiency. From stainless steel construction to IP66-rated sealing, MCL’s conveyors are built to last, keep clean and perform exceptionally well.

We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Every food processing business has different needs, and MCL provides tailor-made conveyor systems that fit specific operational and hygiene requirements. With years of experience working with top food brands, we understand your need for high-quality conveyors.

Conclusion

If you’re in the food processing industry, investing in IP66-rated washdown conveyors is essential. They help you maintain hygiene with ease, ensure compliance with food safety regulations, and enhance the durability of your equipment to reduce downtime and keep your business running smoothly.

MCL is here to provide customised conveyor solutions tailored to your specific operational needs. Want to learn more about washdown-rated conveyors for your business? Contact us today to discuss custom conveyor options that keep your operations running smoothly, hygienically and efficiently.