Are you compliant?
Food-grade accessories are designed so that the bristles of the brushes and the grit of the abrasive pads don't come off. I often see washers using accessories that fray, how important is that?!
Food-grade accessories are smooth, easily washable, and have been tried and tested. They also have a color code that can accommodate different areas of a food factory or commercial kitchen. Keep in mind that each facility has its own color code, so it's not guaranteed that red will be used for the same surface or room from one facility to another.
Please note that just because a tool or product is food-grade does not necessarily mean it is approved by the building where you work. Both products and washing accessories must be approved by the factory beforehand. If you don't like a product or washing accessory provided to you, you cannot substitute it with another of your choice. All of this must be approved beforehand by the building where you work.
What ranges of accessories are approved?
Here are some accessory brands sold in Quebec. You'll see that each one has accessories in 5 to 8 colors. This is excellent for avoiding cross-contamination. For example, when the scrubber cleans the floor drains, we don't want these brushes to be used for anything other than cleaning the drains.
Vikan Food Brush Atlas Graham has some accessories. I recommend them especially for small hand-held accessories.
Baffin wash boot - American has a complete range of washing and safety accessories for the washer
- Vikan is a recognized producer of food washing accessories.
- Baffin wash boot Non-slip with steel toe and food grade. There are several others, but I like these! They are comfortable. Plus, slippers can be inserted into them to keep you warm. Also, their coating washes much better than other brands.
- Washing gloves Ansell
Where to find these products in Quebec
Only a few suppliers in Quebec can supply you. Here's a short list of these suppliers. Please note that if you are a supplier of these accessories, we would be happy to add a link to your site.
And now, food washing products
Again, there aren't many suppliers who have a wide range of food wash products. So I've compiled a list of suppliers I know personally:
Food Ideology
As you can see, the food industry is a regulated sector. You can't do just anything. Forget about the washing times you manage to do in the commercial sector, for example. Forget the idea of leaving your storage room in a mess. You will have to wash your washing equipment and accessories every day, even your boots! Food washing involves several washing steps. If you don't do them correctly, you risk having to start again since your work will not pass the work approval stage. I suggest you follow a solid training with many real examples.
Health and safety in food establishments is also much more prevalent. There's no question of engaging in behavior that could jeopardize your own health and safety, or even that of others. We'll check that you have experience and references. And even if you've been approved by the building, every employee will monitor you to ensure you comply with food and health and safety regulations. Why all the fuss in these food spaces? Because all users are responsible for food safety. All employees are responsible for OUR food safety. Production, washing, and quality control are important. The contribution of both employees and management is just as important.
Here are some other articles that might help you learn more about food washing.
The prerequisites for effective food washing.
An article about points inspection of a commercial kitchen and the 5M method
If you need help establishing a washing and sanitation program for your factory or commercial kitchen, we will be happy to support you.
