Chapter 18 Seafood Plant Sanitation
Sanitation programs in the seafood indus-
try are essential to provide the processor
with guidelines that will give the consumer a
high-quality, wholesome food. Because these
guidelines relate to the facility and work
practices, proper planning of new, expanded,
and renovated plants should be considered.
Every production phase of the distribution
chain, from harvest to the consumer, must
ensure that only wholesome products are
provided to the ultimate consumer. Effective
sanitation contributes to the maintenance of
desired seafood quality.
Seafood processors should be familiar
with microorganisms that cause spoilage and
foodborne illness. Also, they need to know
about characteristics of various types of soil,
effective cleaning compounds and sanitizers,
available cleaning equipment, and effective
cleaning procedures.
Each processor should be equally familiar
with existing federal, state, and local public
health regulations. Regulatory requirements
are by no means the only reason that the
seafood processor should practice strict san-
itary procedures. Another important factor
is the consumer’s increased awareness of
nutritional value, wholesomeness, and pro-
cessing conditions of all foods, including
seafood.
Sanitary construction considerations
A hygienically designed plant can enhance
the wholesomeness of all foods and dramat-
ically improve the effectiveness and efficiency
of the sanitation program. Even a well-
designed plan is not a safeguard against
microbial infection or other contamination
unless it is accomplished by sound mainte-
nance and sanitation. In a hygienic operation,
the employer or management team should
ensure good housekeeping and should be
constantly vigilant against ineffective sani-
tary practices for all physical facilities, unit
operations, employees, and materials. Chap-
ter 14 contains design and construction con-
siderations to supplement those discussed
here.Site Requirements
A clean and attractive site is necessary.
Clean premises should be maintained for a
satisfactory public image, to promote the indi-
vidual firm and the industry. First impres-
sions of a site are important to regulatory
personnel and to the public, who are favor-
ably impressed by a clean, neat, and orderly
plant. The condition of the plant premises
frequently reflects the caliber of the plant