Luke Judge

Painting contractors know that the food processing industry have some of the most difficult requirements when it comes to food safe floor coatings applications. Food products, after all, require special care in processing and handling, and the environment where these products are processed, specifically the floor coatings system, must guarantee a food-safe facility.

Foremost of these requirements are the environmental conditions in most food processing facilities, which is not like just any ordinary production plant. Food preparation areas are filled with constant human and mechanical activities, such as loading, packing, cleaning, food assembly, storing, and the like. Then there are the ingredients — oils, acids, and chemicals — that are commonly handled or spilled on facility floors. Any of these environmental conditions require for food safe floor coatings systems resistant to this kind of daily abuse.

The second consideration is that food processing plants naturally fall under the influence of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which requires food manufacturers and processors to comply with its safety and health regulations. Food safe floor coatings systems should be able to support the regulated standards on sanitation and safety set by the FDA.

FDA Flooring Systems Regulations for Food Processing Plants

The FDA has safety and hygiene regulations that require strict compliance from the food processing industry. Food processors will not be able to operate without certification from the FDA. Even existing plants are still in danger of being fined or shut down if the FDA finds evidences of non-compliance. There is also the possibility of forcible product recalls, urged by the FDA, should a quality inspection reveal violations of the standards. Any of these situations could cost the plant significant business losses.

The FDA has stringent quality guidelines for food processing facilities because it is protecting the populace against health-threatening pathogens such as e. coli