Cross-contamination and related foodborne illness is currently one of the major issues in the food processing industry, both for the consumers’ health and, due to food recalls, also for the companies’ profitability.
The HACCP is a systematic preventive approach for safety management. It is intended to provide security by ensuring that there are no weak links in the food supply chain.
Through a defined assessment process, HACCP International provides validation of the equipment used in the food industry.
In the food industry, contamination through laundry is indirect but parts such as nuts, bolts, and springs can enter food with serious consequences.
By analysing the needs and challenges of laundry operators worldwide, Electrolux Professional has developed, with Line 5000, a new range of laundry solutions that meets the HACCP’s strict criteria. Next to front load washers, also barrier washers, ironers, and fitting solutions have been awarded the accreditation.
“The Certification Electrolux Professional has been awarded is usually reserved for food service equipment only so this is a milestone development for the manufacturer. It re-affirms the crucial role laundry equipment can have in contamination control, playing its part in preventing outbreaks and illness across the globe,” says Richard Mallett, Managing Director of HACCP Europe. “The robust design and clear instructions within the Line 5000 range ensure that nothing can go unsanitised and restaurants can make a quick and smart investment with ease. Traditionally food manufacturing factories have had to outsource their laundry to guarantee cleanliness but the certification of the Electrolux Professional Line 5000 range has provided the option to invest in an on premises laundry with complete peace of mind.”
“There are numerous examples of food contamination through non-food input including the laundry flow in a food processing plant,” says Eugenio Filoni, global segment manager special on premises laundries electrolux professional. “Last year has been quite eventful for recalls of food and beverage products, from meat to cheese through the most important and big companies of the industry. Reasons range from metal and glass contamination to Listeria findings.”
According to the 2013 European Recall and Notification Index, there have been more than 5,000 product safety notifications. The food industry saw the majority of notifications with 58 percent. This highlights issues with globalization and the supply chain and the associated quality checking process.
“In this framework it is evident the importance of ensuring personal hygiene and well laundered uniforms” Filoni says. “Following on this experience within the UK and Ireland, we are very proud that our solutions have been acknowledged for making a genuine difference in people’s health and safety. We plan to extend the HACCP certification globally.”
