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How Horizontal Motion Conveyors Improve Food Safety
Selecting the right conveyor is critical for food processors to ensure food safety. The horizontal motion conveyor, one of the newer food conveyor technologies, stands out for its ability to reduce product breakage and buildup, two common sources of contamination and waste in food processing. In this blog, we’ll dive into how horizontal motion conveyors contribute to a safer and cleaner food production environment.
MINIMIZING PRODUCT BREAKAGE FOR SAFER FOOD PROCESSING
THE PROBLEM: HOW PRODUCT DEGRADATION AFFECTS FOOD SAFETY
In food processing, fragile products like chips, cookies, seasoned snacks, pet food, and more are at risk of fine loss and breakage during conveyance. For meat and other raw products, residue and temperature control are vital for efficient and safe transferring. This degradation isn’t just a quality concern—it also presents serious food safety risks:
- Increased contamination risks – Residue can accumulate in crevices and hard-to-clean areas, providing a breeding ground for bacteria.
- Cross-contamination – In multi-product lines, particles can mix with other products, leading to allergen cross-contact.
- Unsafe temperatures – Product breakage can expose more surface area to ambient conditions, increasing the risk of temperature fluctuations. If food reaches unsafe temperatures, it can promote bacterial growth and compromise food safety, especially for ready-to-eat and fresh products.
THE SOLUTION: GENTLE, GLIDING MOTION
Unlike vibratory conveyors, which use vertical motion that can lift and toss products, the PURmotion horizontal motion conveyor moves food in a smooth, gliding motion. This eliminates the aggressive impact that can break delicate foods or remove seasoning and fines.
Key benefits of this gentle movement:
✔ Maintains product integrity – Chips stay whole, seasonings stay on, and fragile items remain intact.
✔ Reduces contamination risks – Less breakage means fewer fine particles that can get trapped in conveyor surfaces and components.
✔ Consistent product quality – Every package contains the same quality product, reducing waste and rework.
✔ Improved yield – Less waste equals more production and higher profits.
REDUCING PRODUCT BUILDUP TO MINIMIZE CONTAMINATION RISKS
THE PROBLEM: BUILDUP CREATES SANITATION CHALLENGES
Food residue, broken pieces, and seasoning buildup on conveyor surfaces increase the risk of microbial growth and contamination. Common issues include:
- Bacteria harborage points – Accumulated food particles provide an ideal environment for bacteria to grow.
- Difficult sanitation processes – Buildup in conveyor crevices and underbelts makes cleaning more time-consuming.
- Increased risk of cross-contamination – Residue from one product can contaminate the next batch, which is especially problematic for allergen-sensitive foods.
THE SOLUTION: EASY-TO-CLEAN, SANITARY DESIGN
Our horizontal motion conveyors are engineered to reduce food buildup by design:
✔ Minimal contact points – The smooth, flat conveyor pan prevents food from getting trapped in moving parts.
✔ No belts or chains – Unlike belt conveyors, horizontal motion conveyors eliminate hard-to-clean areas under belts.
✔ Toolless disassembly – Quick-release components allow for fast cleaning and swab testing and eliminate opportunities to introduce bacteria from tools or the damage they cause.
✔ Open-frame construction – Ensures full washdown capability with no hidden crevices for bacteria to grow.
With these features, sanitation teams can clean the conveyor faster and more thoroughly, reducing downtime while ensuring food safety compliance.
ADDITIONAL FOOD SAFETY BENEFITS OF HORIZONTAL MOTION CONVEYORS
IMPROVED ALLERGEN CONTROL
By minimizing fines and residue buildup, horizontal motion conveyors help prevent cross-contact between allergen and non-allergen products. This is especially critical in bakeries, snack production, and pet food manufacturing, where multiple product variations are produced on the same line.
ENHANCED SANITATION COMPLIANCE
Our horizontal motion conveyors are designed to meet and exceed FSMA, FDA, and AMI sanitary standards. Their stainless steel construction, no hollow tubing, and fully weld-sealed frames ensure food processors can maintain the highest levels of hygiene.
REDUCED DOWNTIME & MAINTENANCE COSTS
Since horizontal motion conveyors minimize contamination risks and are easier to clean, they contribute to less frequent deep cleans and shorter sanitation cycles. This translates to:
- More production uptime
- Lower labor costs for cleaning
- Extended equipment lifespan
IMPROVE YOUR FOOD SAFETY WITH A HORIZONTAL MOTION CONVEYOR
Choosing the right conveyor can have a significant impact on food safety. Our PURmotion horizontal motion conveyor is designed to preserve product integrity, minimize food buildup, and simplify sanitation, making it an ideal choice for food processors focused on safety, quality, and efficiency. Click the link below to learn more about how horizontal motion conveyors can improve your food safety standards.
