All parties involved in the food processing chain have a responsibility to ensure that food reaching consumers does not become contaminated. While manufacturers already take steps to prevent the main causes of contamination, thermal fluid could be a hidden contaminator. Here Clive Jones, managing director of heat transfer fluid specialist Global Heat Transfer, explains how thermal fluid choice and maintenance can prevent cross-contamination being a problem.
Cross contamination can occur at any stage of the food production chain, so food processing facilities have processes and procedures in place to remove any risk of product mishandling. These are built on an understanding of how cross-contamination occurs — food handling is one of the main causes of cross contamination.
For example, a worker may handle raw meat without gloves and then touch other food products without washing their hands. Food residue left on equipment can also provide opportunities for contamination, as well as the harmful bacteria often found on raw products, for example if fluid from raw meat drips onto uncovered products.
Food processing applications, such as brewing, baking, or freezing, often require indirect heating or cooling generated from a heat exchanger and transported using thermal fluid. The fluid may absorb excess heat energy and take it away from the product, or transfer heat energy to the product.
Thermal fluid contamination
Heat transfer fluid is transported around a facility in pipes, meaning that it is unlikely to come into direct contact with a product. However, if any issues occur in the system that leads to leaks or breakages, the fluid could contaminate the product.
If food and beverage manufacturers use a standard heat transfer fluid and there is incidental contact with the product, the whole batch must be scrapped to avoid any contaminated food reaching consumers, damaging their health and the company’s reputation.
Food grade fluid
In any environment where thermal fluid may come into contact with a consumable product, manufacturers should consider using a food grade thermal fluid. Food grade thermal fluids must carry a HT-1 certificate, granted by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the NSF International, to be approved for use in food processing. They are typically colourless, non-toxic, non-irritating and non-fouling, so if they do come into contact with food and therefore consumers, they lead to lower recall rates.
Food and beverage processing reactions take place at very specific temperatures, so manufacturers require a fluid with precise temperature control. Global Heat Transfer's Globaltherm™ FG, for example, can operate and maintain temperatures ranging from -20 to 326 degrees Celsius. It has outstanding thermal oxidation stability and a lower viscosity than standard mineral oils, so it is easier to pump around the system. This thermal fluid has HT-1 certification and is accredited for use in Kosher and Halal applications.
Fluid maintenance
While incidental contact between the HT-1 certified fluid and the food product will not pose a risk to consumers, manufacturers should still do everything possible to prevent any maintenance issues that could lead to the fluid impacting production.
Thermal fluids degrade over time, especially when operating at high temperatures for long periods of time. Fluid degradation can cause a build-up of carbon and other by-products in pipes, reducing heat transfer efficiency and causing products to be cooked inconsistently. If the fluid is properly maintained, manufacturers can slow down the degradation process and reduce the risk of unplanned downtime.
To achieve this, manufacturers can implement a preventative maintenance program. This should include regular visual walk-round checks, as well as quarterly fluid sampling to determine the condition of the fluid. Engineers can samples taken from a live, hot, and circulating system to a laboratory for fluid analysis, using the results to plan preventative actions to maintain or expand fluid lifespan.
The food processing sector must uphold the highest standards to ensure food safety and prevent cross-contaminated products from reaching consumers. By selecting a food grade thermal fluid and carrying out regular fluid analysis and maintenance checks, plant managers can ensure that their products are manufactured safely and efficiently.
For more advice on choosing and maintaining food grade thermal fluids, visit www.globalhtf.com.
