Cleaning & Sanitizing for Food Plants

22 Dec 07Effective Cleaning2 Introduction All equipment must be cleaned and sanitized prior to use and following any pause in use that could result in contamination. Specific procedures (SOPs) for cleaning & sanitizing each piece of equipment are available to the operator

22 Dec 07Effective Cleaning3 Principles of cleaning & sanitizing Cleaning: removal of soil from surface Sanitizing: reducing level of microorganisms on surface to reduce food contamination Biofilm: food & bacteria left on equipment Removal requires energy Physical / chemical / heat Use of detergents reduces energy

22 Dec 07Effective Cleaning4 Main purposes of cleaning Remove soils that harbor microorganisms and provide nutrients for their growth Prevent the transfer of ingredients from different batches of products Eliminate soils that affect efficiency of heat transfer Prolong equipment life by removing potentially corrosive materials Facilitate preventive maintenance

22 Dec 07Effective Cleaning5 Cleanup steps Pre-rinse Removes gross soils (reduces need for chemicals) Wash Removes most bacteria by chemicals, heat, agitation Post-rinse Removes most bacteria and soil loosened by washing Sanitize Ensures that equipment doesn’t contaminate incoming product Doesn’t compensate for poor wash “You can’t sanitize dirt!”

22 Dec 07Effective Cleaning6 Cleaner selection Factors to be considered when selecting cleaning chemicals Nature of soil Organic / protein / petroleum-based / inorganic (scale or oxide) Nature of surface to which soil is attached Stainless steel / aluminum / rubber / plastics Quality of water available Use potable water Hardness (Ca / Mg) will affect performance

22 Dec 07Effective Cleaning7 Cleaning methods 1. Manual Taking equipment apart & using brushes 2. Cleaning-Out-of-Place (COP) Taking eqpt apart and using tank for soaking 3. Cleaning-In-Place (CIP) Using circulating solution without taking eqpt apart 4. Pressure spraying Using high or low pressure

22 Dec 07Effective Cleaning8 Manual cleaning Uses lower concentrations of chemicals Cleaners are formulated for safe use Brushes are used to apply physical energy Very labor intensive Complete cleaning may be difficult if physical energy is not consistent

22 Dec 07Effective Cleaning9 Cleaning out of Place (COP) Requires little labor Good penetration during soaking Needs good arrangement of parts and agitation to work effectively Cleaner needs to be selected because of long soaking time

22 Dec 07Effective Cleaning10 Pressure spraying Effective for cleaning large areas E.g. floors, walls, irregular areas Foaming cleaners on walls Temperature is reduced on contact Physical energy varies with proximity

22 Dec 07Effective Cleaning11 Effective cleaning Procedures include: Contacting the soil Allowing sufficient contact time to react Maintaining temperature Providing sufficient energy

22 Dec 07Effective Cleaning12 Mechanism of cleaning Detergent is dissolved in water Solution is applied to surface to separate soil Water soluble soils are dissolved in water Cleaner allows water close contact to surface Cleaner then loosens soil by reducing its attraction to surface

22 Dec 07Effective Cleaning13 Mechanism of cleaning (2) Soil separation is helped by physical action Scrubbing / turbulent flow / pressure spray Soil dispersion begins Soluble soils remain in cleaning solution Clumps of insoluble soil are broken down Fats & strong alkalis create a soluble soap Cleaner and dispersed soil are removed Surface is rinsed with potable water to remove cleaning solution

22 Dec 07Effective Cleaning14 Cleaner performance Four factors for cleaner effectiveness Time 15+ min Temperature  C (  F) preferred Concentration of cleaner Recommended by manufacturer Physical energy

22 Dec 07Effective Cleaning15 Cleaning Variables TemperatureTime Concentration Velocity Concentration Temperature Time Temperature Concentration Velocity

22 Dec 07Effective Cleaning16 Purpose of sanitizing Last step in cleanup process Requires proper cleaning of surface first Remove oil / biofilm / cleaner residue Reduces microorganisms on previously cleaned surface free of pathogens

22 Dec 07Effective Cleaning17 Ideal sanitizer Has a rapid kill and wide spectrum of kill Exhibits good environmental resistance Not adversely affected by poor water quality or residues Effective over wide pH range Non-toxic to humans Non-corrosive to surfaces under all conditions Freely soluble Good shelf life

22 Dec 07Effective Cleaning18 Effective sanitizing Use at recommended concentration More can cause corrosion pH of sanitizer is formulated for best action Kill increases with temperature Stability can decline Time of exposure varies Must be capable of % kill in 30 sec Contact time of 2 min is common Residual soil affects performance of oxidizers

22 Dec 07Effective Cleaning19 Proper operation & cleanup Promptly rinse equipment after use with cool to warm water Properly maintain equipment Seals and gaskets Keep work area clean Reduces amount of difficult cleaning Follow predetermined schedules Use chemicals for intended use / concentration

22 Dec 07Effective Cleaning20 Portable equipment Store properly when not in use Keep from splashing / dust Re-sanitize before next use Clean and sanitize if brought out of storage

22 Dec 07Effective Cleaning21 Equipment cleanup procedures Remove all product and debris from equipment Have sufficient room between walls / equipment to allow for cleaning Have sufficient space underneath equipment for cleaning or seal Disassemble equipment as necessary: Remove / replace shields Clean horizontal debris catchers Remove / replace product contact surfaces

22 Dec 07Effective Cleaning22 Equipment for cleanup Washing equipment considerations include: High pressure systems Central / portable Mixing valves (steam + cold water) or hot water systems Raise temperature for cleaning Proportioning pumps / venturi-metering / foamers Minimize water use to limit sewer loads

22 Dec 07Effective Cleaning23 Manual cleaning Completely disassemble equipment Rinse manually Brush with cleaning solution Rinse Sanitize Before reassembly Just before processing

22 Dec 07Effective Cleaning24 Remember! Remove all product Clean up first using scrapers / brooms Then clean thoroughly, paying close attention to product contact surfaces Sanitize clean area so that it doesn’t contaminate new product