USDA/NCDA&CS Facility Guidelines for Meat Processing Plants

USDA Facility Guidelines

 

The construction of a meat processing facility involves an extensive set of guidelines developed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS). This portion of the federal register is broken down into eleven chapters; including the location in which a plant can be built, fixtures and equipment that should be considered during installation, and how to control and dispose of plant waste. The rules and regulations are to ensure the integrity and standard of our meat, in which establishments must consider during the design phases of a new facility.

Chapter 4 Section 2 of the guidebook, outlines the importance of flooring selections to eliminate risks such as contamination of microorganisms and employee accidents, specifically stating the following:

  • “Floors in areas where product is handled or stored should be constructed of durable, easily cleanable materials, and be impervious to moisture.”
  • “Floors should be installed and maintained to reduce the likelihood of cracks, depressions, or other low areas that would accumulate moisture.”
  • “Floors where operations are conducted should have a slip-resistant surface. Good results are obtained by using brick or concrete floors with abrasive particles embedded in the surface. Concrete floors should have a rough finish.”
  • “Floors should be sloped to avoid puddles or depressions within the slope where water will stand.”

Also stated in the register is that open bar grating should not be used in the production areas for catwalks and access platforms. Aside from dirt and debris from shoe soles, which can be scraped off and contaminate the product, it also hosts harborage sites that are prevalent in grating due to multiple intersections of cross bars and bearing bars.

Maintaining sanitary conditions within a food processing facility is a top priority. SLIPNOT Metal Safety Flooring is an NSF International registered company that is utilized in several food processing facilities such as Tyson, General Mills, Amy’s Kitchen, and more. SLIPNOT Grade 2 stainless steel is chemical and corrosion resistant, and provides a hygienic solution for slippery areas.

SLIPNOT food grade products such as plate, perforated plate, drain covers, and floor scales make it easy to transform a hazardous area into a safe, slip resistant zone for maximum productivity.

References
USDA/NCDA&CS Facility Guidelines for Meat Processing Plants. Vol. 62. Fed. Reg. 45030-45031. (August 25, 1997)

“Technical Information.” SLIPNOT Metal Safety Flooring. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 June 2017.

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