News on USDA-Compliant Flooring

In 2014 alone, USDA invested more than $70 million in food safety research to keep up with the demand for public safety

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is one of the governmental bodies that manages the ever-changing landscape of public safety as it relates to food processing and food distribution. From the inspection of domestic and imported products to educating the public about the importance of food safety, USDA conducts and funds research that informs both the government and the private sector on what it takes to consistently produce good-quality food products in the United States.

Prevention is Key

The science, data and research used by USDA not only protects public health, it prevents future outbreaks of sickness and disease due to food safety issues. For instance, USDA recently:

• Issued new instructions for sanitary practices in processing beef carcasses as well as more effective field instructions on how to inspect for E. coli contamination
• Patented new technology that protects pasteurized liquid eggs
• Adopted a zero tolerance policy for six new strains of E. coli in raw beef products
• Sanctioned tougher standards for Salmonella and new standards for Campylobacter, which will reduce the occurrence of these pathogens in poultry – preventing as many as 25,000 foodborne illnesses annually
• Implemented a “test and hold” policy that requires facilities to hold meat, poultry and egg products until microbiological testing can determine if it is safe to release into commerce
• Began requiring clearer product labeling and nutrition labels on single-ingredient raw meat and poultry products so consumers will know whether they contain additives
• Modernized the Public Health Information System

Food Grade Flooring

USDA-compliant flooring, also referred to as “food grade flooring,” is required for facilities in food and beverage production, such as food processing and canning plants, beverage packaging and bottling, breweries, commercial kitchens and restaurant dining areas. When installing a new floor or replacing an existing floor, these types of businesses must adhere to the strict guidelines set forth by the USDA. Even pharmaceutical and healthcare facilities are now required to support the industry’s germ and mold-fighting efforts. In addition to federal guidelines, requirements are established by local health departments for flooring and may differ from state to state.

Basic USDA Requirements

USDA-approved industrial flooring, as well as walls and ceilings, must be “constructed of durable, easily cleanable materials, and be impervious to moisture.”

• They must also be installed so that they are seamless.
• They must withstand regular cleaning and sanitizing with disinfecting chemicals, very hot water and/or power washing without becoming compromised or degraded in quality.
• They must be graded to drain off water and moisture
• They must reduce the growth of bacteria and mold to guard against contamination with the use of integral floor-to-wall cove bases, antimicrobial additives, etc.

Commercial businesses such as restaurant kitchens may use quarry tile, brick, concrete, commercial-grade vinyl or other synthetic flooring systems; however, industrial plants where food is packaged or processed are required to have floors protected with a sanitary, seamless coating made from urethane concrete or epoxy that retards bacterial growth.

Urethane Concrete Preferred

Because it is a hybrid product that benefits from both cement and water-based urethane technology, urethane concrete flooring systems stand up to USDA requirements with ease. Seamless and smooth, cementitious urethane not only withstands heavy traffic, it resists abrasion, chemical attack and bacterial growth. Its UV-stable, anti-slip surface is moisture and heat resistant, durable and easy to install. What’s more, antimicrobial technology can be added to eliminate dangerous bacteria on the surface of the floor by up to 99.9 percent.

When it comes to heavy-duty industrial flooring for the food and beverage industry, complying with USDA regulations helps keep food safety at the forefront, which also keeps the public healthy and wise.

About Surface Solutions

Surface Solutions is an independent industrial floor contractor specializing in seamless, polymer flooring systems utilizing the most trusted brands in the industry. From testing to consultation and complete installation services, Surface Solutions is your premier source of non-toxic, safe and environmentally friendly flooring systems, offering turnkey installations using only in-house personnel. All installations come with a complete single-source warranty.

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