For food processors, the COVID-19 pandemic has created a rapidly changing industry landscape. From delays in shipping and payments to lowered production capacity, there have been a myriad of challenges to confront and address. Not least of these is the spread of the disease itself.

That’s why every food processing company should have procedures and plans in place to ensure a healthy, clean environment. Just one sickened employee or customer could have significant ramifications for a company’s operations, not to mention its reputation and bottom line.

Here are a few basic tips for lowering the risk of disease transmission:

  • Regularly clean and disinfect any frequently-touched items or surfaces.
  • Be sure that any disinfectant solutions you’re using are on Health Canada’s list of disinfectants with evidence for use against COVID-19. Disinfectants all have different contact time requirements to effectively kill viruses, so read the virus table on the label to ensure you leave the disinfectant on the surface long enough to kill the virus.
  • Ensure staff are given permission to stay home if they feel sick or know they are sick.
  • Create floor markings to indicate proper social distancing guidance of 2 metres, and keep staff and customers appropriately distanced.
  • Wear a non-medical mask or face covering made with at least two layers of tightly woven fabric, constructed to completely cover the nose and mouth without gaping, and secured to the head by ties or ear loops, per Canadian government guidelines.
  • Offer added handwashing stations or facilities if possible. These should include soap, water and hand sanitizer. In addition, advise all employees not to touch their faces.

Furthermore, working with a professional is one of the best ways to bolster one’s safety procedures. This means a licensed provider will carefully treat the facility, including all high-touch areas, to eliminate harmful pathogens.

Orkin® VitalClean™ does just that, offering the following features:

  • Health Canada-registered and labeled for use against a wide variety of pathogens; included on Health Canada’s list of products that meet their criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19
  • Label assures 99.999% disinfection of hard, non-porous surfaces
  • Can be applied to soft surfaces as well (many disinfectants do not allow this)
  • Eco-friendly with low toxicity
  • Safe for food contact surfaces
  • Allows spaces to dry and become usable again quickly

Of course, there’s no silver bullet for stopping the spread of COVID-19 at this point, but a powerful disinfection service—coupled with social distancing, proper hygiene and the appropriate use of face coverings—can help reduce the risks and restore a safer and healthier environment.

These are quite obviously unprecedented times. Food processors continue to adapt and make the changes necessary to keep up with shifting demand amidst the backdrop of the global pandemic. Consider using the tips outlined above to promote peace of mind and keep operations running smoothly at your company.