Mould and fungi can silently thrive in dry processing environments. Lack of mould and fungi control threatens food safety and, in turn, your brand’s reputation.
A single lapse can lead to costly contamination, production downtime, or product recalls. Explore industry-aligned dry plant cleaning insights to learn how you can maintain a hygienic and compliant dry plant.
Why Mould and Fungi Are a Threat in Dry Processing Plants
Even in low-moisture environments, dry processing plants are vulnerable to mould and fungi. Certain microorganisms can thrive in these environments, posing serious operational, health, and safety risks.
Mould and fungi can lead to product contamination and compromise food shelf life, thereby threatening a brand’s reputation. Airborne fungal spores and dust can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory problems in workers.
The presence of fungi can lead to the spoilage of raw materials and finished products. Over time, fungal growth can also impact equipment performance, resulting in downtime.
Common Causes of Fungal Growth in Dry Plants
- Water ingress: In dry processing environments, moisture can pose substantial risks. Controlling moisture levels during the cleaning process is crucial to prevent the growth of fungi.
- Dust buildup and inadequate ventilation: These issues can compromise air quality and create conditions that are conducive to mould and fungal development. Proper cleaning and maintenance of ventilation systems and ductwork are crucial in mitigating these risks.
- Neglecting routine sanitation: Regular and thorough cleaning of equipment is vital. Neglecting this can lead to residue buildup, providing a breeding ground for mould and fungi.
Key Cleaning Practices to Prevent Mould and Fungi
Regular cleaning of walls, ceilings, and ventilation ducts ensures that high surfaces do not provide nutrients for fungal growth.
Controlled dry plant cleaning techniques that prevent water introduction are critical in dry plants. Targeted use of antifungal agents helps inhibit the growth of mould and fungi on surfaces and equipment prone to contamination. Additionally, these agents must comply with food safety standards.
How Advanced Cleaning Services Supports Fungal Prevention
Proper ventilation is crucial for maintaining a healthy working environment. Advanced Cleaning Services cleans and disinfects ventilation systems and ductwork, controlling mould and fungi.
Advanced Cleaning Services uses I-Clean, a comprehensive quality and compliance platform that supports regular inspections, detailed reporting, and continuous improvement in hygiene standards. Our I-Clean system ensures complete transparency and accountability to prevent fungal and mould growth.
Advanced Cleaning Services provides high-level access cleaning for areas such as ceilings, overhead pipes, and ventilation systems. To align with industry standards, we adapt our methods to prevent dust accumulation and contaminants, key contributors to mould and fungal growth.
Advanced Cleaning Services develops customised cleaning schedules based on your facility’s unique operational requirements. Our approach ensures that cleaning interventions are practical and minimally disruptive. All these enhance your hygiene compliance and improve mould and fungi control.
The Consequences of Neglect
In February 2024, multiple South African peanut butter brands were recalled nationwide due to the detection of aflatoxin levels exceeding legal limits. Aflatoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain moulds, which can contaminate crops like peanuts during improper storage or processing.
Keep Your Dry Facility Clean, Safe, and Compliant
Maintaining hygiene in a dry processing environment demands expertise, consistency, and a system built for compliance. Advanced Cleaning Services delivers all three. Our tailored dry plant cleaning protocols eliminate dust and food residues, providing comprehensive control of mould and fungi.
Ensure your dry processing plant is audit-ready and protect your brand. Contact us to learn how Advanced Cleaning Services can help you meet the highest food and beverage cleaning standards.
