Quality Standards in the Food Production

Compliance with standards in the food industry is a well-known challenge for companies. To ensure product safety in all processes, various guidelines and laws must be adopted and integrated into everyday processes to eliminate risks to the consumer and guarantee the highest quality.

Food safety is protected globally through various controls and preventive measures. These are often different certification measures that all have the same goal: To guarantee the best quality and transparency within a food production chain. One well-known certification tool provides the global BRCGS brand, which helps companies ensure trust in supply chains. With the Global Standard Food Safety Report, first developed in 1998, BRCGS reflects food safety standards and has since provided a framework for quality management within a company. The main component is the HACCP procedure (hazard analysis and critical control points). This quality tool is intended to identify safety gaps, establish corrective measures in case of deficiencies, and introduce evaluation and documentation procedures.

Image: Certification supervisor conducting the audit in the company

Another certification tool is the IFS (International Featured Standards) Food Standard. It documents food production processes and focuses on product quality assurance. IFS aims to introduce a uniform standard, strengthen the cooperation of certification bodies across Europe, and create transparency. The document includes, for example, the implementation and documentation of audits in the company, the identification of quality management and food safety systems, or the certification procedures after a successful audit. It also lists reasons for KO's and major where the company does not receive certification. One example of a criterion of termination is the formation of moisture, and in the worst case mould, in production facilities and the resulting increased risk of hygiene deficiencies.

THE IMPORTANCE OF DRY-AIR SOLUTIONS FOR QUALITY STANDARDS

Ensuring optimal product quality, safety, and prolonged shelf life in the food industry hinges on effectively handling and mitigating humidity-related issues. The adoption of an appropriate dry-air solution is crucial to minimise the potential hazards linked to excessive humidity, thus protecting both the facility's reputation and the industry at large.

Cotes professional adsorption dehumidifiers can help prevent these risks and remedy problems caused by humidity. Made from stainless steel, which is often a requirement to ensure proper sanitation in the food and beverage industry, and through a customised dry-air strategy, Cotes can improve and control product safety and quality and stability of operations.

Whatever certification standard a company chooses, hygiene is one primary focus of all standards. Cotes can become a trusted partner supporting various cleaning and drying processes and facilitating compliance with quality standards.

Read about how Cotes has helped a meat processing facility to safeguard sanitation and improve hygiene standards: Safeguarding sanitation in meat processing facilities.

Image: Cotes adsorption dehumidifiers

Do you have issues with humidity?  

If you would like to determine whether you need a dry-air solution in your facilities or would like to explore what a customised dry-air strategy can do for your business, please reach out to one of our trusted partners near you.