Food Safety Magazine

Article by Greg Muddell

Highlighting the Guidelines on how food processors should make their flooring decisions.

With the implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act, U.S. food processors will be subject to stricter guidelines and increasing Federal inspections as it relates to sanitation in their facilities.

One of the primary ways food processors can reduce potential risks associated with foodborne illness and death is by investing in a flooring product that incorporates the best food safety standards available into the design of new or refurbished food processing facilities.

As many auditors will tell you, floors and drains consistently generate a high percentage of positive test results for bacteria and lead to cross-contamination throughout the facility.

Flooring Requirements

When a company is either building a new facility or updating an existing food processing facility, there are several design criteria that need to be included and examined. The objective of this article is to focus on what type of floor coating will meet Federal regulations and the expectations of the floor coating that should be mandated by the owner operator of the food processing plant as well as applicable government agencies.

The criteria include the following:

• Installation and maintenance

• Protecting the concrete substrate

• Return on investment (ROI)

• Hygiene: Non-porous

• Easy to clean and durable

• Chemical resistance

• Employee safety

• Aesthetically pleasing: Long after initial install

• Environmental impact

• Manufacturer proof and references: Photos/testimonials

Installation and Maintenance

The flooring system should not only be easy to install but also achieve a “complete cure” in a short period. A short

cure time is particularly critical in existing facilities that have to shut down to install a new floor or repair an existing

one. Shutting down one’s “money machine” is a huge consideration and should obviously be minimized, thus the

advantage of a fast-curing product. Repairs and maintenance are a necessary part of business, so again, choosing a

flooring system that delivers the least amount of interruption and down time should be instrumental in the decisionmaking

process.

Protecting the Concrete Substrate

The building’s concrete floor is a sizeable investment which needs to be protected. A floor coating will protect the

integrity of the concrete floor, thus avoiding the catastrophic expense and downtime required to replace it. Not only

does untreated concrete harbor mold and bacteria, but it can also be a continuous source of repair and maintenance

for facilities. Protect your bottom line by protecting the concrete with a floor coating that will provide a long-lasting,

durable solution against dusting, chemicals, acids, hot/cold temperatures and water damage.

Online Magazine: http://www.foodsafetymagazine.com/article.asp?id=3931&sub=sub2