Guide to Essential Cleaning Tools & Solutions for F&B Facilities

Australia's Food and Beverage (F&B) industry is a pivotal contributor to the nation's economy, both in terms of financial impact and employment opportunities. Dominating the landscape of Australia's manufacturing industries, food and beverage processing boasts a broad spectrum of players. These range from large multinational corporations churning out high volumes of consumer goods to smaller, more agile firms catering to the demand for specialised gourmet products. This industry is characterised by its dynamic nature, fueled by consumer demands for diversity, quality, and exceptional value.

And within this vibrant sector, adherence to stringent sanitation and cleanliness standards is not just a best practice — it's a regulatory necessity. 

However, for many industry players, managing the complexities of cleaning operations is a significant challenge since it encompasses various responsibilities, from adhering to strict operational procedures to the judicious selection and application of various cleaning compounds. In this context, choosing appropriate cleaning tools and solutions becomes a critical decision point, as it helps with compliance with the rigorous standards set forth by regulatory bodies and ensures the safety and satisfaction of the end consumers.

But first, let's delve into why maintaining exemplary hygiene standards in the F&B sector is not just important but absolutely crucial. 

In Australia, the bar for quality in food and beverage services is set remarkably high, largely due to the comprehensive policies implemented by the Australian Government. These policies are designed to support and elevate Australian businesses within the F&B industry.

Central to these policies is the Australia-New Zealand Food Standards Code (FSANZ), which mandates strict compliance for all food sold within the two countries. A prime example is outlined in Chapter 3, under Food Safety Standards (Australia Only), Standard 3.2.3, which focuses on Food Premises and Equipment. 

According to this standard, food businesses are obligated to ensure that their facilities, along with all fixtures, fittings, equipment, and transport vehicles, are designed with hygiene in mind. They must be easily cleanable and, when necessary, sanitisable. Additionally, these premises are required to provide adequate services for water, waste disposal, lighting, ventilation, personal hygiene facilities, storage, and access to toilets, further underscoring the importance of hygiene.

But why is there a need to adhere to these high standards of cleanliness and safety?

From 2013 to 2022, the FSANZ coordinated an impressive 791 food recalls, including 75 in 2022 alone. Although most of these recalls aren't directly linked to illness or injury, they emphasise the vigilant approach Australian F&B businesses must take towards food safety.

Moreover, as time progresses, expanded regulatory supervision and increased consumer awareness contribute to bolstering the detection of potential issues. Furthermore, ongoing advancements in food technology are anticipated to exert a notable impact on the incidence of food recalls. This collective progress underscores the dedication that businesses will have to put into maintaining and enhancing the integrity of their food supply chain.

In this rigorous context, the role of the right cleaning equipment and tools inevitably becomes paramount. They are not just tools but are integral components in fulfilling these stringent hygiene standards. Consider the following categories of cleaning tools and solutions:

In the critical task of maintaining hygiene in F&B facilities, cleaning sprays and fluids are essential. This category includes cleaning solutions like degreasers and ultrasonic cleaning liquids — each serving a specific purpose in the F&B setting. 

Degreasers, for example, are adept at tackling the challenging grease and oil that are common in commercial kitchens, effectively cutting through these residues to ensure surfaces are thoroughly clean and safe from potential bacterial growth. Ultrasonic cleaning fluids, on the other hand, are used in conjunction with ultrasonic cleaning machines. They work by generating high-frequency vibrations, which provide a deep clean, reaching into even the smallest crevices and cleaning intricate parts of equipment. 

This level of thorough cleaning is crucial in the food and beverage industry, where any residue can pose a risk to food safety. These types of cleaning agents are also indispensable in the fight against grease and bacteria, playing a vital role in upholding the stringent hygiene standards required in the food and beverage sector.

High-pressure cleaning stands out for its efficiency and effectiveness. This method primarily involves the use of pressure sprayers and parts washers, both of which are designed to handle the demanding cleaning needs of F&B environments that feature walls, floors, open equipment and more. 

Pressure sprayers that have cleaning agents injected into the water harness the power of high velocity to displace and eliminate tenacious dirt, filth, and residues that are typical in food processing areas. This makes them especially useful for cleaning large surface areas quickly and thoroughly. Parts washers, on the other hand, are ideal for deep cleaning of smaller, intricate components and machinery parts. They use high-pressure jets to reach into nooks and crannies that might be inaccessible by hand or with other cleaning tools. 

Together, these high-pressure cleaning systems are invaluable in F&B facilities, ensuring that even the toughest grime is effectively removed, thereby maintaining the high standards of cleanliness and hygiene essential in the food and beverage industry.

Also, in the context of F&B facilities, the maintenance of kitchen electronics and machinery is paramount. This is where specialised electronic cleaners and conformal coatings play a crucial role. 

Electronic cleaners are specifically designed to clean sensitive electronic components found in kitchen equipment safely and effectively. They remove grease, dust, and other contaminants without damaging the electronics, ensuring that the equipment functions reliably. Conformal coatings, on the other hand, add an extra layer of protection. These coatings shield electronic circuitry from environmental factors such as moisture, dust, and chemicals, which are commonplace in busy F&B environments. By using these protective coatings, businesses can significantly extend the lifespan of their valuable kitchen equipment. Additionally, these products are instrumental in preventing contamination that can arise from equipment malfunction or residue buildup, thereby contributing to the overall hygiene and safety standards in food and beverage facilities.

As stipulated in Standard 3.2.3 of the Food Premises and Equipment guidelines, it's imperative for businesses in the F&B industry to provide adequate toilet facilities for their staff. This requirement underlines the necessity of maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in washrooms within F&B facilities. After all, ensuring that these facilities are not only clean but also well-stocked is essential for creating a comfortable and hygienic environment for both customers and staff.

In this context, supplies like air fresheners should not be overlooked. This is because they help maintain a fresh and welcoming atmosphere in the washrooms, a key component of the overall customer experience. Equally important is the inclusion of other facilities like baby changing stations. These stations reflect the establishment's commitment to accommodating the needs of all guests, particularly those with young children. Ensuring that these stations are clean, safe, and well-equipped is also essential for upholding the hygiene standards expected in F&B settings. Moreover, a well-maintained washroom meets regulatory standards and demonstrates an establishment's dedication to quality and customer care.

Another fundamental aspect of maintaining a hygienic environment in F&B settings is floor cleaning. 

Since the floors in these areas are susceptible to frequent spills, stains, and accumulation of food particles, regular and thorough cleaning is essential. Cleaning tools such as brooms and mops are indispensable in this regard. However, when using these tools, it's important to follow best practices such as using the right cleaning solutions, regularly changing mop heads, and ensuring floors are dry to prevent slip hazards. Additionally, using colour-coded mops and brooms can help avoid cross-contamination between different areas of the facility, such as the kitchen and dining areas. By abiding by such proper floor cleaning techniques, you not only contribute to the overall cleanliness and appearance of the F&B facility but also ensure a safe environment for both staff and patrons.

In the critical pursuit of hygiene excellence within the F&B industry, investing in high-quality cleaning equipment and tools is not just a necessity but a strategic decision. RS acknowledges the unique challenges faced by F&B professionals and emphasises the importance of choosing advanced and effective cleaning solutions. We understand that the right equipment is key to upholding hygiene and cleanliness standards and, in turn, the reputation of your business. 

As such, at RS, we are committed to partnering with F&B businesses, providing expert guidance and access to a wide array of top-tier cleaning equipment. Our range is carefully curated to meet the needs of the industry, from ultrasonic cleaning solutions to baby changing stations. 

By choosing RS as your partner, F&B professionals can rest assured they are equipped with the best tools to face today's hygiene challenges.