Essential Measures for Food and Beverage Facilities to Prevent Listeria Outbreaks
Stamford, Conn. – November 11, 2024 – The recent Listeria outbreaks that resulted in death and hospitalizations serve as a stern reminder of the severe health risks posed by Listeria contamination and how crucial it is for facilities to implement comprehensive safety protocols. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 1,600 people are infected with Listeria each year. Goodway Technologies, a leader in industrial maintenance solutions, is urging food and beverage processing facilities to adopt stringent measures to prevent Listeria outbreaks.
Best Practices to Prevent Listeria Outbreaks:
- Strict Hygiene Practices: Regular cleaning and sanitization of all surfaces and equipment are vital. Employees must adhere to rigorous handwashing protocols to prevent contamination.
- Temperature Control: Maintaining proper refrigeration temperatures is essential to inhibit the growth of Listeria. Facilities should regularly monitor and adjust temperatures to ensure compliance.
- Cross-Contamination Prevention: Implementing measures to separate raw and ready-to-eat foods can significantly reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Facilities should establish clear protocols for food handling and storage.
- Employee Training: Continuous education on hygiene and proper food handling practices is essential. Employees should be well-informed about the risks of Listeria and the importance of maintaining a clean environment.
“Listeria contamination poses a significant threat to public health, particularly in the food and beverage industry,” said Tim Kane, President and CEO of Goodway Technologies. “We understand the importance of having a proper cleaning and sanitation plan in place. At Goodway Technologies, we prioritize listening to our customers’ challenges and working to identify effective solutions to support them.”
While some facilities use wet cleaning methods, this approach involves water and cleaning solutions that can create damp environments if surfaces are not dried properly afterward. The moisture can become a breeding ground for bacteria, particularly Listeria monocytogenes, which thrive in damp conditions. This ultimately increases the risk of contamination. Dry cleaning technology eliminates the need for water and reduces the likelihood of creating a damp environment, helping facilities maintain a more hygienic environment.
Goodway Technologies offers a diverse selection of dry steam cleaning technologies that use high-temperature, low-moisture steam to thoroughly clean and sanitize equipment and surfaces without chemicals. The technology is highly effective, less labor-intensive and reduces water usage. The ability to use dry steam cleaning in dry environments, and around electrical or sensitive equipment, makes it a versatile solution to use throughout a facility.
The newly launched dry ice blaster can also enhance cleaning ability and utilizes frozen dry ice crystals that rapidly vaporize on contact to quickly and easily remove very difficult-to-clean soils such as polymerized oil, baked-on carbon, and heavy caked-on debris, leaving the surface clean, 100% dry and chemical free.
Routine cleaning and maintenance are beneficial for more than just reducing potential health risks. Having the proper equipment can help improve overall efficiency in a facility and reduce labor time and costs.
For more information on how Goodway Technologies can assist your facility in preventing Listeria outbreaks, please call (800) 333-7467.
