Why the Food Industry Needs Humidity Control

The US food industry is a giant, complex machine. Products start on farms and end on tables. But what happens in between those two points varies greatly. Crops are broken into powders and combined with other ingredients to make the millions of different products that we find in restaurants and grocery stores. Animal products go through processing facilities to ensure safety for the consumer. During processing, whether ingredients are taking powder form or simply being packaged, it’s important that humidity is controlled.

The US food industry is a giant, complex machine. Products start on farms and end on tables. But what happens in between those two points varies greatly. Crops are broken into powders and combined with other ingredients to make the millions of different products that we find in restaurants and grocery stores. Animal products go through processing facilities to ensure safety for the consumer. During processing, whether ingredients are taking powder form or simply being packaged, it’s important that humidity is controlled.

The Impact of Moisture on Food Powders

When food companies handle powdered products, two of the biggest risks are clumping and insects. Both of these risks can be compounded when the relative humidity in a processing facility is too high.

Why is moisture bad for powders? Think about what happens when you combine flour and water. The flour binds together. While this is the desired reaction for bakers, unwanted moisture wreaks havoc in a food processing facility. When powders clump, they can slow down operations inside the facility. In addition, insects are attracted by food sources and moisture. If a processing facility has both of those attractions, it can become the ideal spot for insects to live and breed. An insect infestation can lead to health hazards for both employees and consumers.

The Impact of Moisture on Meat and Seafood Processing

With beef, poultry, and seafood continuing to be a staple on the American table, the food industry has worked tirelessly to meet demand and keep products safe. But all efforts can be for naught if climate conditions aren’t correct. When relative humidity gets too high, the chemicals used to keep facilities clean can vaporize and put facility employees in danger. Similarly to powders, moisture and a food source can also attract insects. An insect problem in a meat or seafood processing facility would likely be even more dangerous than one in a powdered food facility.

Polygon: Temporary Climate Experts

If your food processing facility struggles to keep relative humidity at a safe level, Polygon is your go-to temporary climate solution provider. Our engineered solutions are energy- and cost-efficient. We have an operations team made up of experts who are ready to come onsite and equip your facility with the temperature and humidity control equipment you need to operate effectively and safely.

Contact us today to learn more about Polygon’s engineered solutions for the food industry.