With 25 years of experience in the conveying and handling industry, we have served clients based across food, hospitality, construction and pharmaceutical industries. Two of the most constraining industries when it comes to quality control are food manufacturing and hospitality. While all industries focus on quality control, it’s these two that must navigate through the complexities of safety regulations and hygiene processes as even a small mistake can lead to significant consequences. Here are some of the common quality control problems that the food industry often faces, and preventive measures to help mitigate risks.
Food safety regulations and compliance
Adhering to ever-evolving food and safety regulations is a constant challenge for the food industry, but one that is essential to maintain food safety standards and protect public health. Non-compliance can result in severe consequences, including product recalls, license bans, and reputational damage. It is crucial for manufacturers in this industry to stay informed about the local and international food safety regulations and those specific to their products. A dedicated compliance team, and regular audits of facilities and processes can go a long way in rectifying potential compliance issues proactively.
Contamination
Contamination risks, spanning across physical (foreign objects), chemical (cleaning agents, for example), microbial, and allergens, pose significant threats to product safety. To address this, implementation of stringent inspections and dedicated procedures is necessary. Regular testing of raw materials, equipment, and finished products should be conducted to detect contaminants early in the manufacturing process. Dedicated production lines must be established for allergen-free products and allergen-containing products must be appropriately handled.
Manufacturing process
Inefficient material handling and inadequate space on the shop floor can lead to cross-contamination, production delays, and compromised product quality. To prevent this, it’s important to design an efficient layout that minimises these risks and allows for easy cleaning to maintain hygiene. We have customised conveyor belt systems for several clients in the FMCG industry who previously struggled with streamlining their manufacturing process. From design to installation, we offer full project management services to co-ordinate our mechanical and electrical installation teams in-line with our customer’s overall project plan.
Supply chain management
Supply chain disruptions are another common problem in the food industry, and one that can significantly impact production schedules and product consistency. To mitigate this risk, food manufacturers must vet and qualify suppliers based on their adherence to quality and safety standards. Diversifying suppliers for critical ingredients is an impactful way to manage potential delays and shortages. It’s also important to keep your suppliers in check, from the ones that get you your ingredients to the ones who build your systems. Establishing robust communication channels is key to ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted supply chain.
To maintain the quality and reliability of our conveyor belt systems, we offer our after-sales service to support our customers with regular maintenance and minimal downtime.
Employee training
Effective employee training is a cornerstone of ensuring quality control in the workplace. Inadequate training can lead to errors in handling materials, improper sanitation practices, and a lack of awareness about safety protocols. To address these, invest in comprehensive training programmes for all employees involved in the manufacturing process. Emphasise the importance of hygiene, proper handling of equipment, and adherence to safety protocols. Regular refresher courses are also a good idea to keep employees updated on the latest industry standards and best practices.
By monitoring and controlling these factors, food manufacturers can ensure that they comply with food safety regulations, not only for the benefit of their consumers, but also for protecting their brand’s image and reputation.
If you are a manufacturer from the food industry who wants to know more, please contact us on 01623 424 442 or at sales@asmechsystems.co.uk
