IC-OCT-NOV22-PG10+11_Layout 1 10/11/2022 14:54 Page 10
MACHINE SAFETY
contamination in tHe Food and drink sector:
How to minimise risk by cHoosing tHe rigHt bearing
safety is a key issue in most manufacturing and industrial processes, but when it comes to food and drink, safety concerns go far beyond just staff, covering the safety of every aspect of the food item, with contamination prevention being a top priority. the good news is that contamination can be controlled by proper cleaning and sanitisation so, for processing plants, ensuring machinery is not a potential cause of contamination is a must. Here, alan stewart, rubix bearing product manager – skF Products, looks at some of the challenges bearings face in the food and drink industry and how factors such as the design of bearings should be chosen carefully to avoid giving places for microorganisms to grow.
W 10 october/noVember 2022 | industrial comPliance
hen it comes to the food and drink sector, bearings have a core mechanical role, but they also have a significant part to play when it comes to complying with strict regulations and hygiene standards, which have recently been put in the spotlight following a spate of food safety
scares that have dominated the headlines.
Food saFety hazards Food product recalls are a real concern for businesses and consumers alike. Last year, the UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) reported around 150 food recalls for reasons including undeclared allergens, metal contamination, and the presence of harmful pathogens. More recently, Salmonella contamination sparked concern. Food safety hazards typically fall under three
categories: chemical, physical, and biological contamination, with the latter involving microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria which can cause “food poisoning” and pose a threat to human health. With possible disease hazards including Salmonella,
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