Improving FSMA Compliance with Safety Features

Summary:

Food safety is the top concern for food manufacturers this year, in no small part because of the FSMA. In Food Processing magazine’s annual industry survey, 27% of respondents identified food safety improvements as their top priority for this year. What components will these manufacturers scrutinize?

FSMA’s Impact on Food Processing Equipment:
Due in large part to the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), food safety is an even higher concern for food manufacturers, and regular upgrades help ensure operations to remain in compliance with FSMA requirements.

Here are three areas where changes to manufacturing equipment can improve FSMA compliance.

1. Eliminate Standing Water to Improve Sanitation

In food manufacturing, standing water equals contamination. It is one of the most common causes of Listeria monocytogenes, a leading contributor to death from foodborne illness.

Simple design upgrades, such as sloped kettle covers and rounded legs help water drain off rather than pool in hidden or hard-to-clean areas, virtually eliminating this sanitation issue.

2. Optimize Design Features to Improve Clean-in-Place Procedures

Sanitizing food processing equipment is critical, especially when the same vessel is used for multiple product batches.

A few small changes can dramatically improve clean-in-place (CIP) procedures:

• Add a higher-grade surface finish to any surface that touches food (like inner jackets)
• For non-contact areas (e.g., weld joints, seams), grinding and polishing ensures smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces
  

These upgrades also help reduce cleaning time, improve sanitation, and extend the life of your equipment.

3. Enhance Metal Detection to Prevent Foreign Object Contamination

At its most basic level, food safety is about preventing the introduction of contaminants into the final product, regardless of the size, shape or type. 

• Metal is among the most frequent contaminants in food production environments, and new developments in metal and foreign object detection technology can add to your ability to prevent this type of contamination. 
• For example, scraper blades can now be impregnated with stainless steel powder, making potential contaminants coming from the processing vessel itself visible to both x-ray and magnetic detection systems. X-ray detection systems can also be beneficial for spotting non-metallic foreign objects such as bone or wood.

This not only protects your end product, but also helps reduce costly damage to your equipment caused by unnoticed contaminants.

Lee Is a Trusted Food Safety Partner

Every component of your food processing operation is touched by the requirements of the FSMA, and Lee is uniquely positioned to help you meet the ongoing challenges of food safety. Our custom solutions can give you the right equipment to help meet the unique needs of your operation

To learn more about how kettle design and configuration can optimize safety, quality and production, read How to Improve Food Safety in Your Plant Operation. You can also contact us to talk with a Lee process engineer, who can help you find the right answer to your food safety questions.

FAQ: FSMA Compliance

Q: What is FSMA, and who does it apply to?
A: FSMA is a set of food safety regulations from the FDA. It applies to most food manufacturers in the U.S., with a focus on preventing contamination rather than reacting to it.

Q: What’s the best way to improve CIP processes?
A: Choose equipment with high-grade finishes and smooth seams, making them easier and faster to clean between batches.

Q: How does Lee support FSMA compliance?
A: Lee’s team of process engineers design custom-built equipment with food safety in mind, everything from sloped covers to clean welds and better detection.