Here’s a startling statistic: approximately 48 million people become sick from contaminated food each year, and an estimated 3,000 of those people die. But it’s not just a handful of illnesses at the source—there are actually more than 250 diseases that are spread through food alone. So what can be done to avoid this? The best way to prevent foodborne illnesses is through hygienic food production and preparation; a task perfectly tailored to Belt Technologies and our PureSteel® metal belts.
Worldwide Food Service Safety Month
December, which is recognized as Worldwide Food Service Safety Month, is the ideal time to emphasize the hygienic benefits of our stainless steel belts and conveyors. The observance is designed to remind the public that food safety is crucial, whether cooking at home or processing food that will be shipped to millions of people.
To emphasize the point, just a few months ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning after more than 800 people contracted salmonella from onions across 37 states. Despite the extensive nature of the contamination, the source was linked to one processing facility—indicating a food processing issue. Events such as these are almost entirely avoidable with the right precautionary measures and sanitary clean-room production elements, including hygienic metal belts.
Keeping it Clean with Belt
So why are metal belts more hygienic than the competition? Firstly, stainless steel is resistant to bacteria, making belts produced from this material easy to clean and in compliance with even the strictest USDA requirements.
They also don’t generate particulate like flat neoprene or HTD alternatives, so they won’t create dust that could impact production in a cleanroom environment. Additionally, PureSteel® products don’t generate component friction and therefore do not need lubrication, reducing the amount of maintenance required and keeping the conveyor system clean.
PureSteel®: No Better Option for Food Safety
There’s no contest—PureSteel® belts are the most sanitary and reliable option on the market, perfect for ensuring a hygienic environment for any food-related application. Contact us today to learn how we can help you create a custom solution specifically for your facility.
