Good Food Premise

There are a few concerns about setting up Food premise.  If you are setting up processing plant now, you need to see this.  Let's check it out..

Location. Your premise should be located away from sources of contamination including aeration ponds, septic tanks, waste disposal sites, industrial area or any area which might contaminate the food.

General design. Food premise shall be designed and constructed in a way that could ease cleaning and disinfection.  For instance, internal ceiling, wall and floors should be made of material which is easy to be cleaned.  The surfaces should be smooth and in light colour (for easier cleanliness visual checking).  Avoid using wood material in the premise, especially when the area would be always wet.  Let us look into deeper - 

1. Floor shall be

1.1 maintained in good condition, easily cleaned and where necessary, disinfected.

1.2 impervious, non-absorbent, washable and non-toxic.

1.3 adequately drain (no stagnant water).

2. Wall shall be

2.1 maintained in good condition, easily cleaned and where necessary, disinfected.

2.2 impervious, non-absorbant, washable and non-toxic, and require a smooth surface up to a height appropriate for food process

2.3 Angles between wall and floor shalled be sealed and coved to facilitate cleaning, where necessary.

3. Lighting shall be provided with adequate light and not causing contamination.  All light could be covered to avoid broken light bulbs to the food.

4. Ventilation system in food premise shall be suitable and sufficient without contamination to food. The device should be installed in a way to ease cleaning. The airflow of ventilation should be flow from contaminated area to clean area. 

5. Internal Ceiling should be constructed to avoid accumulation of dirt and shedding of particles and to reduce condensation and growth of undesirable mould. 

6. All furniture, fittings and food contact surfaces shall be well maintained and kept clean at all times. The material should be of impervious and easily clean.

Water supply should be adequate and in good quality.  Food business owner could install external Water Filter, such as Sand filter and Carbon Filter. To ensure adequate of supply, water tank and proper piping should be installed.  Such facility should be free from any contamination.  

It is essential to make sure all facilities are constructed / installed properly before commencing food processing so that maintenance of both facility and Food Safety system is easy.