Suitable ceiling material to be used for FSSC 22000 certification
Hi there, I am Food Technologist in chocolate manufacturing industry. Currently, we are working towards to get FSSC 22000, hence we are in progress of renovating our premise now. What kind of material is suitable to use as processing area ceiling? Our previous ceiling was made of plaster ceiling. Hence, is plaster ceiling is suitable for food processing area or any suggestion of material to be used as ceiling?
Ceilings in food preparation zones should be finished with an impervious sealed material that is resistant to wet susbstances penetrating its surfaces in anyway. The finished ceiling surface should not have any perforations or exposed joints, cracks or crevices as to minimize microbial niches and to prevent the accumulation of food, dirt and grease. This also ensures that the ceiling is pest proof.
Concrete ceilings are often recommended due to durability and minimal maintenance requirements. The most recommended installation is the concrete slab with exposed double tee beam construction, which avoids ledges associated with I-Beam construction. Concrete ceilings should be ground smooth, appropriately finished, and caulked at the joints.
Dropped ceilings are acceptable only if properly installed. False ceilings, which create a crawl space above the ceiling for utilities and services, should be avoided. The crawl space also becomes very attractive to insects and rodents, increasing the potential of product contamination. Because fiberglass panels can be glued in and sealed at the joints they are acceptable in dropped ceiling application. However, they are very difficult to maintain in a continuously sealed condition. Permanent dropped ceilings, which essentially create a walk-on second floor above the processing area, are more desirable, especially those with a permanent smooth concrete ceiling.
Plaster ceiling not suitable for food processing area. As it is absorbent in nature and encourage the formation of mild dew over the period of time. Some of the requirements for the ceiling are :
- Non- Absorbent
- Easy cleanable
- Good reflectors of light
- Smooth to enhance airflow
Ideal sanitary type ceiling of ceiling is the walk -on type ceiling