The hazardous exchange of viruses and bacteria from one food to another is known as cross contamination. Also referred to as cross-contact, cross contamination is one of leading causes of food recalls each year, and some of these incidents have even made headlines in the mainstream media. Therefore, preventing cross contamination is vital to the health and well-being of any nation. While some industries make it a priority to separate different foods, there are many that handle several foods within the same area. This calls for an effective system to minimize cross contamination, and this is where
Remco Color Coded HACCP Tools come in handy!
What is HACCP Color Coding?
HACCP color coding is an effective way to prevent cross contamination and other food-related hazards in food processing facilities. Although not yet a requirement, color coding demonstrates a company’s commitment to the consistency and quality of their products. From dairy and beverage to food processing and pharmaceutical, color coding can you help maintain safety of the highest standard for both your employees and consumers. So what is color coding? It simply means that the tools that you use in a certain area are assigned a color and those tools can only be used in that area. Even the totes you use can be color coded if necessary. A wide range of colors are available so each area can be assigned its own color.
What are the Benefits of HACCP Color Coding?
Now to the more important question: what benefits can your business reap through HACCP color coding? Besides preventing the risk of cross contamination, HACCP color coding provides you the following benefits:
Color is a Universal Language
No matter how many different nationalities are working within your facility, color coding is easy to comprehend. After all, color is the same in any language! For instance, if the meat processing areas are coded red and areas where cooked meat is freshly sliced are coded yellow, it can be quite easy to avoid cross contamination as only red equipment, clothing and utensils would be used in the red area. However, if yellow equipment is found, tracing potential contamination shouldn’t be a challenge.
Color Coding Impresses Auditors
Color coding not only improves your daily operations, but also demonstrates to auditors that you prioritize food safety within your premises and have appropriate measures in place to prevent cross contamination. It also acts as an additional layer of protection to the already established food safety practices.
Less Risk of Errors
If operating procedures and rules are kept straightforward, implementation and understanding is quick, and the risk of errors is also reduced significantly. Today, one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent cross contamination is color coding. That’s about it! If you have been considering
HACCP color coding for your food processing facility, the aforementioned information should prove useful in helping you make the right decision.
