to moisture. One acceptable material is
Portland-cement plaster, with joints sealed by
flexible sealing compound. A false ceiling
prevents debris from overhead pipes, machin-
ery, and beams from falling onto exposed
products.
Walls and Windows
Walls should be smooth and flat with a
nonabsorbent material such as glazed
tile, glazed brick, smooth-surface Portland-
cement plaster, or other nonabsorbent,
nontoxic material. Concrete walls are satis-
factory if they contain a smooth finish.
Although painting is discouraged, a non-
toxic paint that is not lead-based can be
applied. Window sills, if present, should be
slanted at a 45°angle to reduce debris accu-
mulation.
Entrances
Entrances should be constructed of rust-
resistant materials with tightly soldered or
welded seams. Double-entry screened doors
should be provided for outside entrances, as
well as air curtains (or equivalent) over out-
side doorways in the processing areas.
Processing Equipment
Processing equipment should have a
durable, smooth finish that is easily cleaned.
Surfaces should be free of pits, cracks, and
scale. The equipment should be designed to
prevent contamination of products from
lubricants, dust, and other debris. In addition
to hygienic design for cleaning ease, equip-
ment should be installed and maintained to
facilitate cleaning of equipment surfaces and
surrounding areas.
Where metal construction is essential,
stainless steel should be used to protect
seafood or other edible products. Galvanized
metal is discouraged because it is not suffi-
ciently resistant to the corrosive action of
seafood products, cleaning compounds, or
salt water. However, galvanized construction
can be economically used for handling of
waste materials. If galvanized material is
used, it should be smooth and have a high-
quality dip.
Cutting boards should be fabricated of a
hard, nonporous, moisture-resistant mate-
rial. They should be easy to remove for
cleaning and should be kept smooth. This
material should be abrasion- and heat-resist-
ant, shatterproof, and nontoxic. Cutting
boards should not contain material that will
contaminate products.
Conveyor belts should be constructed of
moisture-resistant material (such as nylon or
stainless steel) that is easy to clean. Convey-
ors should be designed to eliminate debris-
catching corners and inaccessible areas.
This equipment, like other processing equip-
ment, should be easily broken down for
cleaning. Cleaning is facilitated through use
of sealed or closed steel tubing, instead of
angle or channel iron. Drive belts and pulleys
should be protected with guard shields that
are easily removed during cleaning. Motor
mounts should be elevated enough to permit
effective cleaning. Motors and oiled bearings
should be located so that oil and grease will
not come in contact with the product.
As with other food plants, stationary
equipment should not be located within
0.3 m of walls and ceilings, so that access for
cleaning is available. Equipment should be
mounted at the same distance above the
floor or have a watertight seal with the floor.
All wastewater should be discharged through
flumes or tanks, so that it is delivered with an
uninterrupted connection to the drainage
system without flowing over the floor.Contamination sources..........................................................................
The environment at a seafood plant loca-
tion can contribute to contamination withinSeafood Plant Sanitation 329