Milk is a nutrient-rich food. A majority of the population around the world consumes milk and milk products. Every dairy product that is intended for human consumption should be free from toxic pathogens. The dairy industries have a reputation for their hygienic practices and implementing sanitation standards. Despite the industry’s reputability for hygienic practices and design, pathogens have continued to invade dairy products.
Sources of contamination in the Dairy Plants:
Dairy farms have come a long way since the days of milking by hand. Nowadays machines are used to serve the purpose effectively and hygienically. However, milk is one of those products that have a poor shelf life. Hence, despite implementing high-tech machines, milk and milk products are at a higher risk of contamination. Dairy products can get contaminated from different sources like unhygienic handling, equipment, production, environment, storage process, and packaging materials.
The hygiene level in dairy farms directly influences the productions’ economic results. Hence it becomes imperative for dairy farms to adhere to the food and safety standards strictly.
Importance of Professional Cleaning and Sanitation in Dairy Plants:
Milk is one of those perishable food products which can get contaminated easily by pathogens. Microbial contamination can reduce both the quality and taste of milk products. Hence, it is essential to take proper measures to maintain good hygiene in the manufacturing and storage areas.
Professional dairy plant sanitation is an ideal solution to maintain the plant clean and germ-free.
Professional food plant sanitation will:
- Prevent or minimise contamination caused by pathogens.
- Ensure improved compliance with regulatory practices and the highest standard of food safety defined by the dairy industry.
- Provide safe and highest quality dairy products for the consumers.
Guidelines to maintain a high level of Hygiene in the Dairy Industry:
Milk Production Hygiene:
In dairy plants, manual milking processes are being replaced by cutting-edge automated techniques. However, proper hygiene should be imparted to everyone working on the premises. This is because the two major contamination sources in the dairy industry are the handlers and the equipment used. For milk production hygiene:
- Maintain superior hygiene standards in the milking process through the use of advanced equipment.
- In-depth training should be given to the staff on personal hygiene.
Dairy Plant Hygiene:
Effective professional dairy plant sanitation plays an integral role in the hygiene maintenance of dairy processing plants. There are typically three segments of dairy plant hygiene, including:
- Processing Hygiene:
All the employees in the plant should be appropriately trained to handle the different machineries in order to prevent processing hygiene.
- Equipment Hygiene:
Equipment cleaning plays a significant role in maintaining the hygiene of dairy plants. If equipment cleaning and sanitation is not done properly, it can result in the harmful substances from the equipment spoiling the quality of products. Hence, professional dairy plant cleaning procedures in the dairy industry is a must.
- Personal Hygiene:
Good personal hygiene also plays a vital role in producing high-quality contaminant-free dairy products. People working in the unit should enclose themselves in sterilised and clean work wear, including hair caps, face masks, and gloves.
Hygiene is one of the critical parameters that ensure the credibility and quality of any production facility or dairy farm. To provide the highest levels of food safety to your customers and to comply with industry best practices, it is important to work with professional industrial cleaners.
