Water is regularly used in food production as an element and for manufacturing, sanitation, and cleaning.
Water quality in food production
The food industry requires a sufficient quantity of drinking water for use in food production to avoid food contamination. Drinking water is fit for human consumption. In principle, it must be free from microorganisms and other contaminants that may pose a risk to public health.
Sources of water supply for the food industry
Drinking water is made available to the food industry either publicly by the municipality or privately by food companies. The majority of drinking water provided to the food industry in Europe comes from public sources. However, this drinking water can come from a variety of sources, such as surface water, groundwater, rainwater and seawater.
The origin of the water usually determines its quality. Whether it needs to be treated to meet drinking water standards and be safe for food production fit for human consumption.
Water treatment for the food industry
Water treatment processes remove contaminants and pathogens that would otherwise be unhealthy or unattractive to look at. Treatment processes vary depending on the water source. Typically, an absorbent is mixed to the water to bind dust and form heavy particles will settle down to the bottom of the storage tank. The treatment will then filter the water to eradicate even smaller particles. Lastly, a small quantity of disinfectant can be added at a level not dangerous for human consumption to completely kill any remaining microorganisms.
Anyone who wants to engage in the food industry should think of the drinking water for customers. To know your options, water heater installation san diego experts can help you either for filtration or something else.
The respective food company using the supply is responsible for the procurement and treatment of private water supplies for use in the food industry. Traditionally, private water supplies require treatment and ongoing post-treatment verification to ensure that the supplies are fit for human consumption and can be used in food production.
Food safety regulations include requirements for an adequate supply of safe drinking water for use in food production. Therefore, food safety is directly dependent on water security. Food industry should therefore adopt best practices when considering the sourcing, treatment and planned use of water in food production. These will ensure the quality and safety of the food they produce.