Dehumidfication and Food Safety

From raw materials in silos and conveying lines, through to packaging and storage of the finished product, there are many areas throughout food processing where the right indoor climate is essential. As sponsors of the Food Manufacture Food Safety briefing, we're looking at how dehumidification can improve safety in food processing plants.

Prevent mold and bacteria
In many food processing environments, excess moisture caused by incorrect control of relative humidity levels results in condensation. This condensation can lead to mold and bacterial growth throughout the production process. In silos, preventing mould growth leads to reduced product waste, better product flow, stops additional maintenance, and protects food quality.

Condensation
Where condensation accumulates on food preparation surfaces, or falls from ceilings, food is at serious risk of contamination. Desiccant dehumidification reduces or eliminates the need for wipe down in environments such as meat/fish/poultry processing, ensuring production lines can be kept running at capacity, increasing production time and output, and protecting hygiene.

Lower microbial counts
A reduction in microbial counts as a result of desiccant dehumidification is not uncommon. Reduced humidity levels in the space and the reduction in condensation itself provide less breeding opportunities for microbial formation.

Reduce slips and trips
Ice and condensation cause slippery floors, and in cold storage environments, ice can fall from ceilings. Humid air can cause fog, and reduced visibility, adding to the health and safety concerns. Munters dehumidification solutions can help you maintain the highest safety levels by stopping ice and condensation in their tracks, preventing slips and trips.

Stop packaging damage and collapse
Condensation and ice build up on packaging can make cardboard boxes collapse, affecting product quality, and prevent barcode scanners from working correctly. Additionally, boxes that become wet and start to collapse can be a risk to health and safety (e.g. fall from shelving).

Support food safety & HACCP
By adding desiccant dehumidification to your facility, food safety can be improved significantly through the reduction of condensation. A full risk assessment should consider humidity control as part of HACCP compliance.

Download the flyer here

For more information, please don't hesitate to contact our local expert.