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• 10. Environmental Control

10. Environmental Control

If a source of bacterial contamination is established within a fish packing house, bacterial numbers will increase rapidly if there are;

Control of these will help to reduce the presence of contaminants in the processing areas.

Floors and Drains

• Floors are likely to become contaminated from foot and vehicular traffic, or from contaminated material falling on to them.
• Drains are likely to become contaminated because almost everything that falls on to the floor will find its way into the drain.

• Control of floors and drains:

• Each business should develop an action policy for handling any equipment or product that falls on to the floor, e.g., equipment must be cleaned and sanitised before reuse, product must be discarded. Ensure that all staff are intimately familiar with thispolicy.

Walls

• Walls and ceilings should be made of materials that can be easily cleaned;

• The join between wall and floor must be sealed to prevent a build-up of water or other residues.

Absorbent Material

• Listeria will survive and grow in any absorbent material including;

These materials cannot be effectively sanitized and should be replaced with sanitary, easily cleaned, non-absorbent alternatives.

Water

• The water used in processing and cleaned operations must be free from contaminants. (It must be potable). Ensure that water used is effectively treated, e.g., by chlorination, U.V., or filtration.
• Ensure that any water stored on site is protected from contamination, e.g., in covered holding tanks or covered header tanks.
• Water should be checked at regular intervals. (Check for available chlorine, coliforms, total aerobic count, and Listeria.)
• Hoses should be kept off the floor when not in use. Remember, the floor is probably contaminated.
• Frayed hoses should be replaced.
• Never let hose nozzles touch the floor.
• Equipment that generate aerosols, such as pumps, or washing equipment, should be well shielded to prevent aerosols spreading throughout the processing area.
• Eliminate leaks from hoses, taps, drains, steam lines, condensate pipes or any other source.