Monthly Archives: October 2021

While large parts of the Australian food processing market are now automated, there are still inevitably areas where contact with food is necessary. While we typically think of this in terms of gloves, there are many other materials that also come into contact with food. How and why are some products appropriate and others not?  

Hygiene and quality are two of the highest priorities. So, it is critical to assess what materials come into contact with food at all times. 

Some of the more familiar materials include plastic, metal, rubber, and textiles. Some materials such as glass ae now rarely found in food production areas. Glass is often considered too dangerous to be allowed into production areas, its brittleness increases the potential of it smashing and contaminating food with sharp shards. This is obviously unacceptable, and many food facilities are glass free. 

Textiles, such as cotton gloves, hair nets and wipes, are generally suitable and food

In these unprecedented times masks have become very familiar to us, but what is the difference between a mask and a respirator in their application in food manufacturing?

In our industry, masks are generally worn to protect food from the wearers respiratory emissions and a respirator is generally worn to reduce the wearers exposure to harmful particles that may be present in the air.

In many environments within the food processing industry, air quality is affected by the tasks performed, for instance, anything involving fine powders, chemicals, or dust. Our lungs are able to withstand a small amount of exposure and naturally filter out harmful particles, however being repeatedly or regularly exposed can create a build-up with potential long-term damage. Confined spaces also pose a risk as fumes and or powders are unable to disperse. So, protecting our respiratory system is important, and ensuring we aren’t spreading germs is also critical, particularly while working with f