Rental Cooling may help avoid the Top 5 FDA Violations for Seafood & Food Processing Plants

Maintaining production schedules and following strict guidelines can be challenging in food processing plants. Under the watchful eye of the FDA, USDA and other regulatory agencies, seafood and food processing plants are faced with many challenges. With tight margins and ever-expanding operating expenses, the costs of meeting specifications may seem out of reach sometimes. Fines, production delays, and lost revenue are all at stake. Controlling climate and humidity are a few of the steps that can help Seafood and Food Processing plants avoid the top 5 violations issued in 2017 by the FDA.

With warm weather arriving, now may be a good time to assess the permanent HVAC system in food processing plants.  If you work in a food processing facility and ideal conditions were barely met last year (or worse, were not met), the upcoming summer months may not be welcome. As any food or seafood processor knows, ambient conditions can quickly test the limits of a permanent HVAC system.  If temperatures or humidity inside a facility go unchecked, many different issues can appear.  From condensation, to unsafe temperatures, or microbial development, unchecked moisture or high heat can create problems. The FDA is responsible for monitoring food processing facilities and if any of these issues arise they can quickly issue monetary fines or interrupt production.   

Of the five most common concerns cited in 2017 by the FDA, two of these can potentially be addressed with a rental air conditioner or seasonal cooling system. “Reasonable Precautions” and “HACCP Plan Implementation” were among the top five citations served by the FDA last year.  Both of these segments can be assisted and possibly avoided by introducing temporary cooling, a rental dehumidifier, or a temporary climate control package.  These two citations concern interior temperatures (among other items) and the requirement to both monitor and properly address any changes to these readings. As hot weather approaches, if you’re concerned how an interior climate control system will handle the temperatures in a food processing facility, maybe now is the time to address any potential problems.

Rental Cooling is Dramatically Cheaper than a New System

As most food processors understand, managing the temperature and humidity inside their facility is a major challenge, especially when costs enter the conversation. When compared to replacing an entire system, or worse, experiencing production delays due to violations, a rental air conditioner is a fraction of the cost. Renting an air conditioner, a rental dehumidifier or chiller, or a combination of temperature and humidity control equipment can be surprisingly affordable.  By managing the temperature and/or humidity in a seafood or food facility, the potential of microbial contaminants decreases, as do any interruptions caused by condensation on equipment or surfaces. Also, planning for rental cooling is much more cost effective than suddenly realizing you need help during the warmest days of summer.

Regardless of the FDA, citations or other regulatory concerns, if the cooling in your facility may not be adequate, you can cost effectively address the problem with a rental air conditioner. Rather than a major capital purchase to replace a cooling system, monthly rentals or a seasonal package is a fraction of the cost when compared to a complete overhaul of the house system.  Additionally, if cooling is the major challenge, and it only happens a few months a year, a rental air conditioner makes the most sense. Renting commercial air conditioners for a few months can help production stay on track, keep the facility operating at peak performance, and yes, help keep away the FDA citations.