B I ZE R BA
Automation puts food safety first The term food safety has taken on a new, broader meaning since the increased focus on hygiene brought about by COVID-19.
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re-pandemic, food safety was more about avoiding contamination and foodborne illness. But this definition has expanded to emphasise the safety of workers and consumers, resulting in trends such as expanding the definition of cleanliness, incorporating more visible cleaning procedures, and an increased interest in the applications of automation. “Especially in the on-site production of meat products, manufacturers face numerous challenges related to the manual handling of meat. Automating as much of the production line as possible helps to prevent many food safety risks,” explains Wendell Trican, technical solutions expert (Retail) for Bizerba South Africa.
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Buyer’sguide While automation is becoming more commonplace in different industries, some in the food sector remain sceptical because of the hands-on approach that they are familiar with and have used to build their brands. Yet, automating your production life cycle holds more benefits than can be ignored. Automation enhances traceability, standardises quality control, improves workplace safety, increases efficiency, protects your company or brand’s good name, and provides flexibility. “Retailers that implement equipment such as tray sealers with ‘gas-flushing map’ or ‘skinning’ technologies have an
opportunity to increase the product’s shelf life and offer a better presentation. These processes also see an increase in productivity, improved hygiene – as there is no constant handling of the product – and use much less electricity than traditional sealing machines,” explains Trican. Ease of operation, along with a strategy for simplified training and onboarding, also needs to be considered as key factors to success in this new era of food safety. Trican explains why: “The industry suffers from a lack of skilled workers due to high staff turnover, further complicating food safety compliance and the management and maintenance of a cold chain.”
2017/2018
THE
Buyer’sguide
2020/2021
The directory for manufacturers of food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, toiletries, packaging and the printing industry
Available online: www.thebuyersguide.co.za Guide 14 Buyers MEAT RE2018.indd VI E W
·1 ISSUE 5 2021
2018/05/07 3:09 PM
