When food enters a manufacturing facility, it is exposed to various potential contaminants. From bacteria to chemicals, many things could contaminate food during manufacturing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that researchers had identified more than 250 foodborne diseases. That’s a lot of contamination to worry about.
But with all these potential hazards, how does the food stay clean? You’d have little to no hesitation picking up food from the grocery shelves if you knew that technology was keeping it clean throughout the manufacturing and distribution process.
The answer is technology. There are many ways to keep food clean and safe. Technology plays a big role in maintaining food clean throughout the manufacturing process. The food industry has long relied on technology to help keep our food safe. From large-scale manufacturing and processing to the packaging and distributing of food products, technology plays a vital role in ensuring that the food we eat is clean and free of contaminants.
Here’s how technology keeps your food clean:
1. Production line monitoring
Food manufacturing facilities use technology to monitor their production line. Cameras and sensors are used in different parts of the food manufacturing process to detect contaminants. If a contaminant is detected, the manufacturing facility can stop the production line immediately to prevent the contaminated food from being processed further.
But before the ingredients even get to the conveyor, the government’s food and drug department must approve all the equipment in the food manufacturing facility. It’s done by any department that can inspect and give a go signal to the cleanliness of the facility. For example, food manufacturing facilities use safe food-grade pumps made from USDA-approved materials. This way, there’s no chance of contaminants from the equipment itself.
Then, the food manufacturing process is monitored by a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points system. This system monitors critical points in the manufacturing process where contaminants could be introduced. Suppose a contaminant is detected at these critical points. In that case, the production line is stopped immediately to prevent contaminated food from being processed further.
2. Food safety testing
Food safety testing is another way that technology is used to keep food clean. Food samples are taken at different points in the manufacturing process and tested for contaminants. If a contaminant is found, the production line is stopped immediately, and the contaminated food is disposed of.
This testing is done using various methods, such as DNA testing, which can detect very small amounts of contaminants. Food safety testing is vital to keeping food clean throughout the manufacturing process. This is an essential part of quality control in the food manufacturing industry because it ensures that only safe and clean food products are distributed to the public.
Food safety testing can also be done on food products before they are distributed to grocery stores. This ensures that the food products are safe and clean when they reach the consumer.
3. Use of robotics
Robotics is another way that technology is used to keep food clean. Robotics is used in the food manufacturing process to help reduce human error and contamination. For example, some robotic systems are designed to pick up food products and place them on conveyor belts. These systems are programmed to avoid contact with potential contaminants.
This helps to reduce the risk of human error and contamination. Robotics is also used in the packaging and distribution of food products. For example, some robotic systems are designed to pack food products into containers. These systems are programmed to avoid contact with potential contaminants.
This helps to reduce the risk of human error and contamination. Robotics is important in keeping food clean throughout the manufacturing and distribution process.
4. Automated packaging
The packaging determines the expiry date that you see on food products. Packaging helps to keep food clean and free of contaminants. The packaging process is monitored by technology to ensure that only safe and sanitary food products are packaged and distributed.
For example, some packaging machines are designed to fill containers with food products automatically. These machines are programmed to avoid contact with potential contaminants. This helps to reduce the risk of human error and contamination.
5. Transportation
Technology is also used to keep food clean during transportation. GPS systems monitor the food manufacturing and distribution process. This helps to track the movement of food products and ensure that they are not contaminated during transportation.
GPS systems help to monitor the temperature of food products during transportation. This helps to ensure that food products are not exposed to potential contaminants. Who would have thought that GPS isn’t only used for location purposes but also for helping to keep your food clean?
Transportation ensures that food products are delivered fresh and without any impurities. Those trucks and shipping containers have to be kept clean too. This way, manufacturers can be sure that the food they’re delivering is safe and clean.
Technology has played a significant role in keeping our food safe for many years. That’s why we can trust that our food is clean and contaminant-free. From production line monitoring to food safety testing, technology helps to ensure that our food is clean and safe to eat. So next time you’re grocery shopping, remember that technology is helping to keep your food clean and safe.
