As highlighted by Food Manufacturing in their article “Eight Questions to Ask When Selecting the Right Food-Grade Conveyor System,” food processing manufacturers often overlook the potential value of investing in high-quality conveyor systems. Beyond moving products, reliable conveyors enhance product safety, improve operational efficiency, and ensure regulatory compliance. 

Key Considerations When Selecting a Food-Grade Conveyor

  1. Is It a True Sanitary Conveyor?
    Not all conveyors meet the stringent hygiene requirements for food processing. Manufacturers should prioritize designs with features like stainless steel construction, radiused corners, smooth welds, and washdown resistance to minimize bacterial risks. IP69K-rated conveyors are ideal for handling high-moisture or contamination-prone products like fresh meats and dairy.
  2. Does It Exceed Food Safety Standards?
    A sanitary conveyor should comply with regulatory standards from agencies like the FDA, USDA, and industry benchmarks such as those from the American Bakers Association. Leading manufacturers often choose equipment that exceeds existing regulations to future-proof their operations.
  3. Which Conveyor Type Fits Your Product?
    Conveyor type selection depends on the specific handling needs of the product. Belt, bucket, and vibratory conveyors each serve different purposes, such as managing frozen, oily, or fragile foodstuffs. Consider factors like required temperature control, physical space constraints, and product characteristics when deciding.

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Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of foodmanufacturing.com.