Sanitation Standards

Special attention must be given to design the facility layout in such a way that ensures employees can easily adhere to food safety protocols as well as access hard-to-reach areas for cleaning, including behind equipment and inside it. Food processing and handling areas must not be used for other, unrelated activities, like parking bicyles, storing junk, etc.

Floors, walls and ceilings must be in good repair and finished with a water- and chipping- proof coat that is easy to clean and does not promote the collection of dirt, condensation water, or molds, as well as. Floors should be designed that they are slightly sloped and fitted with drains  for ease of frequent cleaning. Edges between floor and wall made from rounded resin to avoid dirt build-up in difficult to clean crevices.

Lighting in all areas of a food processing premises has to be sufficient to discover areas of soiling or mold development easily and immediately. 

Windows must be covered with screens to keep insects, birds and rodents out. Screens must be intact and in good repair. Window sills need to be dusted regularly and must not be used to store items. Doors should be kept closed or the doorway needs to be blocked with a heavy plastic screen, which keeps dust and insects out.

All surfaces which come in contact with food must be constructed from waterproof material with a smooth, easy-to-clean surface, and in good repair.

Sinks for washing produce or utensils must be seperate from handwash basins.

Handwash basins should be equipped with hot and cold water, a soap and paper towel dispensers. To avoid contamination during handwashing, water taps, soap and desinfectant dispensers should be contact free, so they don't have to be touched. This can be done through foot pedals or through proximity infrared sensing dispensers.

Toilets must be equipped with a handwash basin and must not be directly connecting to the processing area.

'Tippy tap', avoids touching the water container through a food-pedal contraption.

Image source: Sian White                  

Edges between floor and wall made from rounded resin to avoid dirt build-up in difficult to clean crevices.

Image source: https://www.flowcreteaustralia.com.au/