Flooring options for food and beverage plants are a critical point to consider. Facility compliance requires diligent research and investigation into what meets the strict guidelines that have been established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Different types of businesses, such as professional food processing, manufacturing, and preparation facilities, must meet their own specified guidelines. One of those flooring types is a combination of materials that form food-grade epoxy. Keep reading to learn everything you should know about this specific food-grade flooring.
What Is USDA-Approved Flooring?
Two government organizations regulate food processing establishments in the United States: the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Every guideline can be found in the USDA Sanitation Performance Standards Compliance Guide and the FDA Food Establishment Plan Review Guidelines. But we've created a summary for you.
You can turn to Section 6-201 of the Sanitation Performance Standards Compliance Guide for USDA information relating to food industry floors. It states that all floors, floor coverings, walls, and ceilings must be smooth and easy to clean, except the anti-slip floor coverings used for safety.
The section dedicated to flooring in the FDA Food Establishment Plan Review Guidelines dictates that all grouting must be non-absorbent and infused with epoxy, silicone, polyurethane, or other similar material.
These guidelines were established to enforce sanitation and durability. When the floors are seamless and easy to clean, it provides confidence that food and beverage products won't be contaminated with bacteria, mold, or mildew. Additionally, flooring must be tough enough to withstand constant cleaning, heavy traffic, and contact with chemicals.
Where Is Food-Grade Flooring Used?
Food-grade epoxy flooring meets these requirements and works well in the following food and beverage centers:
• Meat processing plants
• Cheese and dairy facilities
• Breweries, distilleries, and wineries
• Food packaging plants
Other commercial businesses, such as kitchens and bakeries, must follow these same standards set forth by the USDA and FDA.
What Is Food-Grade Epoxy Flooring?
Epoxy is an adhesive resin coating applied to concrete, leaving behind a non-porous, stain-resistant, and easy-to-maintain surface. It's useful in the food processing industry because it is resistant to wear and tear. Epoxy can also help even a floor if it is no longer level. However, this is not an ideal treatment for floors sloped for drainage.
When epoxy flooring is placed in a food processing facility, it decreases the chances of employees slipping. Choose epoxy to create a safe work environment that will withstand everyday foot traffic.
Benefits of Food-Grade Epoxy Flooring
Choosing epoxy as the flooring for your commercial food company will provide you with a USDA-compliant, seamless surface. Other benefits of epoxy flooring include the following:
Chemical Resistant
This style of flooring is resistant to chemicals, making it a valuable flooring in any industrial setting.
Wide Array of Options
Epoxy flooring is available in various colors and styles, but they all provide a high-gloss shine. You can designate specific work areas in your facility by choosing different colors. For example, one color can identify high-risk areas while another specifies safe walkways.
Increased Brightness
Because of the high-gloss finish, an epoxy floor can increase the brightness of your facility by up to 400%. It creates improved lighting conditions and ultimately, a safer work environment. This flooring can also lower overall facility costs by reducing the need to install additional light fixtures.
Low Maintenance
Because this flooring is seamless, it is easily swept or mopped. Dirt and pathogens are removed, and there's minimal concern that they will hide in crevices. This floor will maintain its high-shine finish without regular polishing or waxing.
Stain Resistant
Spills will eventually happen, but epoxy flooring can resist stains and water, unlike wood or other types of flooring. It won't warp or succumb to water damage.
Eco-Friendly
Epoxy will not erode or flake away, accidentally polluting the environment. The installation process creates less waste than alternatives, and harsh cleaning chemicals aren't needed to keep it clean.
Modern epoxy is an incredibly useful type of flooring in many different industries and offers the above benefits when properly installed. The installation process requires meticulous surface preparation before application. To ensure your system is adequately installed and meets USDA standards, always hire a professional to do the job.