Food processing uniforms, also called Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) clothing serves the purpose of ensuring safety in food preparation. In the food processing industry, functional processing clothing are never just for show. They play an important role in ensuring the safety of the products that workers handle.
Food processing uniforms and safety wear also ensure the protection of staff who work at food processing facilities. People who work in food processing facilities are more susceptible to cuts and scrapes than regular kitchen staff at a restaurant. Most employees in this industry may be required to wear face shields, eye protection, boots, gloves and sterile gowns.
Why Food Processing Uniforms are Essential
Workers who do not have the correct kind of safety wear and food processing uniforms could not only injure themselves but also contaminate food with unhealthy pathogens. In large processing facilities, microscopic contaminants can be easily spread to food and people as well.
Using hygienic work attire that are certified by a relevant government agency will prevent food contamination. In this industry, prevention is better than detecting contaminations after the food is processed. Neglecting the use of hygienic work attire can lead to huge financial losses for companies that have to recall processed food from grocery shelves or restaurant they supply food to.
HACCP-Compliant Safety Wear
The importance of hazard analysis and critical control points in the food processing industry cannot be overstated enough. Diligently using food processing uniforms prevents the development of hazardous pathogens from getting into food. Fortunately, these hazards, which can be costly for food processing companies, can be avoided.
This requires the supervision of numerous "critical control points." Part of the solution involves specific areas in the food processing procedure where potential hazards, such as cross-contamination, may occur. Among these critical control points, the uniforms worn by employees play a crucial role. In simpler terms, adhering to HACCP standards necessitates the use of appropriate and functional processing clothing.
Keeping Safety Wear Clean
HACCP-compliant food processing uniforms are typically made of durable fabric. These functional processing clothing must also be washed thoroughly after every use. All workers at food processing plants must begin work with a fresh set of food processing uniforms. Safety wear like boots, face shields or goggles must also be cleaned before use.
Disposable hair caps, plastic shoe covers and PPE gowns should never be reused. Functional processing clothing should also benefit workers. Their safety wear should also keep workers safe from harm such as cuts and scrapes. Food processing apparel must also prevent workers from inhaling toxic fumes and microparticles at their workplace. Stitches on safety wear must be sealed to prevent food contamination and also to keep workers clean, this is something you should double-check when ordering food safety wear.
Hygienic Work Attire Requirements
Hygienic work attire must also adhere to certain requirements. One of these unexpected requirements is the prohibition of buttons and pockets on functional processing clothing. It is ironic to link the lack of pockets and buttons to functionality, but these clothing accessories can trap bacteria. Industry regulators usually prohibit food processing uniforms with pockets above the waist. Even if they are washed frequently, bacteria can find a home in hard-to-reach creases in pockets.
Buttons on the other hand can come undone and fall into food that is being processed. Apparel companies that manufacture functional processing clothing should be able to offer a variety of hygienic work attire that are compliant with regulations of the food processing industry. This includes food processing uniforms without pockets and buttons that could pose safety and hygiene risks.
