18 replies to this topic

[GLS]

Hello, I am currently doing an internship in a bread and pastry manufacturing plant for my food science degree.

 

I have a couple questions regarding good cleaning and sanitation measures with limited resources at hand because the manufacturing plant I work at is quite new and my bosses aren't very informed on the topic.

 

Here are my questions with the relevant context:

• Workers are encouraged to thoroughly clean and disinfect their food handling areas at least once a day. Once the workers' shifts are over, the cleaning cloths that they used throughout the day are placed in a bucket of water with bleach (approximately 10mL of bleach is added per 2L of water). Once the cloths are disinfected, how to do we get rid of the bleach? Do we rinse each cloth individually in order to get rid of the bleach or would it be enough to soak all the cloths in a bucket with clean water? How toxic is diluted bleach if it were to contaminate the food handling surfaces?

 

• The employees in charge of delivering baked goods transport them in closed metal carts. Unfortunately these carts can get quite dirty and attract flies since they are only cleaned once a week. Would it be best to close the carts when they are not in use in order to prevent flies from getting in or would the closed carts create a good environment for microorganisms to grow?

 Apologies in advance for asking somewhat silly questions.

 

 

[CMMolenaar]

Hi GLS,

 

no need to apologise. It is a bit curious that your bosses or quality manager are not informed but of course the situation is unknown to me.

My first question would be: are these cloths used on the floor, or walls or an food contact surfaces. Questions 2 why do you reuse the cloths? Especially if you use them on food contact surfaces it is safer and more efficient to use disposable cloths. These are also available in a renewable / biodegradeable material.Using bleach in the cloths and then applying them to the surfaces could lead to chlorate contamination.

 

Regarding the carts. If they get dirty they need to be cleaned immediately afterwards. so the advise is to increase the cleaning frequency. If they attract flies there is likely an issue with storing the carts outside? Or windows / doors are not closed properly?

[kconf]

Hi GLS,

 

Make sure the cloths are properly washed off bleach before coming in contact with food contact surface. Your ratio doesn't seem too bad. 

 

Another option is to use lint-free disposable cloths. 

 

Flies in carts sounds like a pest control issue that should get addressed. 

[jfrey123]

For cleaning cloths, I've always opted for either totally disposable or having reusable rags/whatever laundered by the company that handles our uniform smocks.  The laundry service will have a HACCP plan to ensure the laundered items are totally clean and don't pose a risk to your environment.  Doing your own laundering of these cleaning rags in house means you'll need to validate that your cleaning process for the rags is effective.  Reading that you're merely soaking them in bleach water leaves questions as to whether all food residues are being removed as well as the question of whether the chemicals are being fully rinsed away.

 

For the carts, it sounds as if the baked goods are touching them directly?  I'd suggest upping their cleaning frequency to at least daily if you're seeing accumulated food residues that attract flies.  Leaving that food residue alone is an issue from a microbiological standpoint, and adding in that flies are attracted to it as you refill with more product throughout the week is presenting a major harborage point for micro issues.

[GLS]

For cleaning cloths, I've always opted for either totally disposable or having reusable rags/whatever laundered by the company that handles our uniform smocks.  The laundry service will have a HACCP plan to ensure the laundered items are totally clean and don't pose a risk to your environment.  Doing your own laundering of these cleaning rags in house means you'll need to validate that your cleaning process for the rags is effective.  Reading that you're merely soaking them in bleach water leaves questions as to whether all food residues are being removed as well as the question of whether the chemicals are being fully rinsed away.

 

For the carts, it sounds as if the baked goods are touching them directly?  I'd suggest upping their cleaning frequency to at least daily if you're seeing accumulated food residues that attract flies.  Leaving that food residue alone is an issue from a microbiological standpoint, and adding in that flies are attracted to it as you refill with more product throughout the week is presenting a major harborage point for micro issues.

 

 

Hi GLS,

 

no need to apologise. It is a bit curious that your bosses or quality manager are not informed but of course the situation is unknown to me.

My first question would be: are these cloths used on the floor, or walls or an food contact surfaces. Questions 2 why do you reuse the cloths? Especially if you use them on food contact surfaces it is safer and more efficient to use disposable cloths. These are also available in a renewable / biodegradeable material.Using bleach in the cloths and then applying them to the surfaces could lead to chlorate contamination.

 

Regarding the carts. If they get dirty they need to be cleaned immediately afterwards. so the advise is to increase the cleaning frequency. If they attract flies there is likely an issue with storing the carts outside? Or windows / doors are not closed properly?

 

The manufacturing plant doesn't have a laundry service and all the cleaning of utensils that come in contact with food (bowls, knives, dough scrapers, microfiber cloths, metal carts for transportatin of baked goodsetc.) is done by one employee with 20 other employees making food and needing their utensils cleaned. 

 

The microfiber cloths that the main bosses/owners of the factory provide are used to clean food contact surfaces and they do not want to use disposable cloths. My quality manager only comes once a month and I'm supposed to apply good cleaning and sanitations measures as well as the recent traceability system being implemented. Due to the situation, my hands are tied and I'm trying to find solutions to many issues that come up with what I think are limited resources.

 

Would you happen to have a solution to removing food residues and all of the bleach in the microfiber cloths? Is rinsing the cloths with water "good enough"?  

 

Regarding the cleaning of the carts, the main bosses of the manufacturing plant only want to clean the metals carts once a week. The only "quick" solution I can think of is to somehow cover the baked goods and reduce the chances of dirtying the metal carts.

[kconf]

Soaking in bleach (with the ratio you mentioned) and then rinsing multiple times with water should be enough. Even water has some level of chlorine, so you are not going to be 100% chlorine free. Don't stress yourself too much! 

[GLS]

Soaking in bleach (with the ratio you mentioned) and then rinsing multiple times with water should be enough. Even water has some level of chlorine, so you are not going to be 100% chlorine free. Don't stress yourself too much!

After rinsing the cloths two or three times, is it normal to still be able to smell bleach? I found that only after rinsing for a good 5 minutes did most of the smell go away.

Edited by GLS, 18 July 2024 - 08:22 PM.

[kconf]

It is normal. Let them dry. Do you use any chemicals when cleaning with these rags? 

[CMMolenaar]

The manufacturing plant doesn't have a laundry service and all the cleaning of utensils that come in contact with food (bowls, knives, dough scrapers, microfiber cloths, metal carts for transportatin of baked goodsetc.) is done by one employee with 20 other employees making food and needing their utensils cleaned. 

 

The microfiber cloths that the main bosses/owners of the factory provide are used to clean food contact surfaces and they do not want to use disposable cloths. My quality manager only comes once a month and I'm supposed to apply good cleaning and sanitations measures as well as the recent traceability system being implemented. Due to the situation, my hands are tied and I'm trying to find solutions to many issues that come up with what I think are limited resources.

 

Would you happen to have a solution to removing food residues and all of the bleach in the microfiber cloths? Is rinsing the cloths with water "good enough"?  

 

Regarding the cleaning of the carts, the main bosses of the manufacturing plant only want to clean the metals carts once a week. The only "quick" solution I can think of is to somehow cover the baked goods and reduce the chances of dirtying the metal carts.

Dear colleague, to me this sounds as if you are indeed trying to do your job with at least one hand tied behind your back. Of course I do not know your situation but if the management does not provide you with the required means and you are not able to convince them to change the only option is to find other employment. Do not allow yourself to be cornered in a situaiton where you cannot provide the required food safety and at the same tyime might be held accountable for any consumer illnes.

[NairnBeach]

Hi GLS

 

I work in a bakery producing a wide range of bakery products.

 

In our bakery there are products containing egg or milk or soya and our concern would be cross contamination of allergens between different products.

For this reason we use disposable cloths.

 

Your situation may be different in this respect.

 

I suggest that you concentrate on ensuring that cloths are sufficiently rinsed and cleaned to minimise food debris before placing in bleach solution.

After soaking in your bleach solution I'd rinse in cold water then allow them to air dry.

 

Make sure that a different set of cloths are used for cleaning walls, floors and ceilings.

 

Regarding the carts. I understand that your hands are tied, therefore, keep the lids closed to reduce flies being attracted. If you cannot get the carts washed more frequently then as a minimum get all carts brushed out daily to remove food debris.

 

Lastly. Do not stress; use your internship to learn and make use of this knowledge in your future career.

 

Stephen

Edited by NairnBeach, 22 July 2024 - 02:21 PM.

[GLS]

It is normal. Let them dry. Do you use any chemicals when cleaning with these rags? 

Sorry for the late response. I only use bleach.

[AltonBrownFanClub]

Sorry for the late response. I only use bleach.

Bleach alone does not do a good job with oils or embedded solids.

You need a surfactant or detergent that can remove dirt trapped in the towels.

 

I would suggest using a laundry detergent from a reputable company.

I know Ecolab has some suppliers in Spain, so I would start there.

https://www.ecolab.c...-detergent-plus

Edited by AltonBrownFanClub, 24 July 2024 - 09:22 PM.

[GLS]

Hello, I've encountered further problems regarding proper cleaning and disinfection practices of the microfiber cloths used for food contact surfaces.

 

The employee in charge of cleaning the utensils and materials used throughout the morning shift adds a bleach and water solution to the bucket where the microfiber cloths are disinfected. He then dumps the cloths in a sink that is being used to clean food contact utensils. This is a very silly question, but doesn't the contact of the disinfected cloths with dirty utensils and a non-disinfected sink make the entire disinfection process useless?

 

Also, is it necessary to rinse each cloth one by one in order to remove any bleach residue? Would there be another more efficient way to rinse off the bleach with limited resources?

 

Once again, sorry for the silly questions.

[CMMolenaar]

Hi GLS,

 

It is not a silly question and you assume correctly that dumping the disinfected clothes in a dirty sink makes the whole disinfection process useless.

 

If you use enough water you could rinse all the cloths together. Rising seperatelyy would be my preference if you have to make do with reusable cloths.

[NairnBeach]

Hello GLS

 

If only bleach is being used then the whole process, including putting the cloths back into a dirty sink, will not be effective.

 

As previously stated by myself and others.

Rinse to remove food debris

Clean using a laundry or other suitable detergent. Ask local cleaning chemical suppliers for advise on choice of detergent.

Rinse.

Soak in chlorine or other sterilising solution. Again, you can ask a local cleaning chemical supplier for advise

Rinse. This can be individually or all together whichever is going to work best for the factory and as long as you are satisfied with the results.

 

Consider second set of cloths to be used on alternate days especially if there are time constraints with introducing a change to the cleaning procedure.

 

Also, consider using a basic laundry machine along with a suitable odour free laundry detergent. This way you will get better control over temperature, cleaning times and effective rinsing. This might be of benefit to the employee who is tasked to do the washing of the cloths.

 

Hope this helps and good luck.

[AltonBrownFanClub]

@GLS, what concentration are you using the bleach at?

How much bleach and how much water?

 

I found this study that shows 200ppm (1 Tablespoon of bleach in 1 gallon of water)

The FDA also recommends 200ppm for food contact surfaces and equipment.

I know you are not under FDA rules, but it is worth noting.

 

https://ucfoodsafety...files/26437.pdf

[GLS]

Considering all the problems associated with using reusable microfiber cloths, I think it's most sensible if I am able to convince my bosses to use regular disposable paper towels. That way I don't have to consider the risks of any food debris present or bleach contamination.

[GLS]

Considering all the problems associated with using reusable microfiber cloths, I think it's most sensible if I am able to convince my bosses to use regular disposable paper towels. That way I don't have to consider the risks of any food debris present or bleach contamination.

[NairnBeach]

Good afternoon GLS

 

The type of cloth used at my bakery is manufactured by Europe Ecotech https://www.ecotech-....com/envirolite.

There are many other companies selling similar products throughout Europe.

 

They can be used throughout the day along with suitable detergent/sanitiser cleaning chemicals.Then disposed whenever you believe that they are no longer suitable for use. Better than paper and last longer. Colour coded if you require for different areas or processes.

 

Good luck

 

Stephen