Page 40 - FoodFocusThailand No.184 July 2021

SMART PRODUCTIONON
SMART PRODUCTI

Guidelines for

Production Line Cleaning

in Food Processing Plants

Regular sanitation of food production lines is fundamental to a good manufacturing practice and, is also one
of the five elements of the 5S methodology for workplace organization, which consists of Sorting (Seiri),
Straightening (Seiton), Systematic Cleaning (Seiso), Standardizing (Seiketsu), and Sustaining (Shitsuke).
Hygiene, therefore, is a key to improved levels of productivity and safety in the food and beverage industry.

This article provides information about different cleaning methods, - Small-sized compound residues must be removed from the
which may vary, depending on the types of manufacturing facilities, surface of production equipment to prevent stain re-deposition.
food products, processing techniques, and soils in production lines.
Despite varying factors, the universal guidelines may include the Types of Cleaning Compound
following aspects. A good cleaning compound should be able to easily separate the bond
between the deposited soils and the surface, and allow for a complete
Types of Soil removal of stains, such that, soils can be caught up and suspended in
Soils in a production line can be classified as follows: the cleaning compound, and removed accordingly. Aseptic soft
1. Inorganic soils, such as salt, mineral, and hard water, can be water should be used in the process to improve the efficacy of the
removed with an acid cleaner. disinfectant.
2. Organic soils, such as starch, protein, tea, coffee, and vegetable
or fruit scraps, can also be removed with an acid cleaner, but an Categories of Cleaning Compound
appropriate type of acid must carefully be selected to ensure optimum 1. Alkaline cleaning compounds with a pH of 7-14
efficiency. 1.1 Strong alkaline cleaners, such as sodium hydroxide (Caustic
3. Non-petroleum deposits, such as fats and animal-derived oils, soda), are generally available in powder form and, can remove rust but
are vulnerable to an alkaline cleaner. may cause skin burns.
4. Petroleum deposits, such as lubrication oils and engine oils, 1.2 Heavy-duty alkaline cleaners, also available in powder form,
can be cleaned up with a solvent cleaner. can moderately strip rust and easily eliminate oily surface stains. They
Cleaning Compounds are generally used for the sanitation of high-pressure equipment but,
are not quite as effective against mineral-type soils.
An ideal cleaning compound must possess properties that match each 1.3 Mild alkaline cleaners, such as sodium bicarbonate, can be
specific surface that is to be sanitized such as equipment, floors, or used to clean surfaces with moderately adhesive stains. They can be
walls. A reliable and cost-effective cleaning agent should not require used along with mechanical scrubbing by hand, which works well in
use of an excessive amount to yield an effective result. It should be combination with soft water. However, they cannot remove mineral-type
soluble and feature traceable indicators of used-up portions. These stains.
preferrable qualities help to guide further application, accurate 2. Acid cleaning compounds are generally suitable for the removal
calculation, and effective management. Instead of having corrosive of alkaline soils. In combination with hard water at 80°C, they can clean
properties, which may cause rust, a suitable cleaner should have up mineral-based deposits but may leave some chemical residues on
chemical stability and a long shelf life after opening or when left metal surfaces in the post-decontamination stage.
unattended.
2.1 Strong acid cleaners, if exposed to heat, can emit lung-
Methods for Surface Soil Removal damaging, and toxic vapors. They can be used to remove dreg particles
1. Surface soil removal can be carried out through the use of high- from boilers.
pressure water, steam, or air, or scrubbing. 2.2 Mild acid cleaners, such as levulinic, hydroxyacetic, acetic,
2. Water can be used to dilute cleaning compounds. and gluconic acids, can strip off a small amount of rust. Certain
3. Prevention of stain re-deposition compounds in this category can be absorbed into the body via the skin
- Cleaning compound residues must be removed from the or eyes.
surface area. 3. Solvent cleaners are alcohol-based and ideal for the removal of
- Ensure thorough agitation of the cleaning solution to prevent petroleum soils.
sedimentation. 4. Soaps and detergents, generally available in emulsion form,
- Use soft water and soap to prevent any potential reaction contain caustics and have a pH value of 8-9.5.
between the cleaning compound and water.
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