As the hospitality industry enjoys welcoming its customers back to food and beverage establishments across the UK, there is a heightened awareness of hygiene and cleanliness. Alongside the rigorous cleaning regimes of all surfaces, attention is also focused on air quality. This article looks at why air filtration should be a top priority for all food and beverage businesses.
Airborne transmission is a high-risk factor
Playing a vital role in keeping people safe from infection, excellent air hygiene is critical. Since the outbreak of Covid-19 in 2020, a lot has been learnt about the transmission of this virus. Although much of the latest research has focused on Covid-19, many similarities can be drawn with other infectious viruses. As highlighted in our previous blog, ‘Why Quality Air Filtration is a Crucial Factor in Reducing the Transmission of Covid-19’, SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing Covid-19) can remain suspended in the air for hours while there is a less than 1 in 10,000 chance of a contaminated surface causing an infection.
Indoor spaces, particularly poorly ventilated ones, pose a high risk of transmission. This increased risk is one reason why restaurants, pubs and bars were only allowed to serve customers outside during the initial stages of the lockdown easing, and now we see strict regulations on spacing, the wearing of masks and ventilation.
Regulations around food production
The UK government confirms that it is very unlikely that Covid-19 can be transmitted through food or food packaging, giving guidance that normal food safety practices should be followed.
However, air quality is a critical factor in protecting the health of the staff working in the food production or preparation environments and any customers or visitors. Pre-covid-19, high-quality air filtration was focused on complying with food safety standards, increasing a product’s shelf life and reducing odours. The BRC has closely regulated food safety and air ventilation for over two decades. However, before the pandemic, virus control was not a central consideration, unlike in sectors such as healthcare.
Now, recognising the risk factors involved in indoor air quality, many businesses are seeking to improve their ventilation solutions and the ‘air change per hour’ or ACH to reduce infection.
Regain customer trust
Understandably many customers and employees are hesitant about returning to food and beverage establishments. Putting in measures that reduce the risk of airborne transmission will put their mind at rest and encourage them back through the doors. These measures should include social distancing protocols, wearing masks and maintaining good quality ventilation via air filtration solutions.
Evaluating the risk
As a BRC certified company, Filtrex can assist food and beverage companies with carrying out risk assessments. We can also advise you on the best filtration options to meet current guidelines and the new protocols for maintenance and compliance. To speak to one of our fully qualified engineers, please contact us via the link below.
