ME Food Solutions' Commitment to the Hygiene of Food Processing Plants
ME Food Solutions designs food processing equipment based on the principle of full technical and production efficiency, while strictly adhering to the hygiene and sanitary regulations governing food processing.
As a manufacturer of industrial machinery—offering solutions for freezing, cooling, proofing, pasteurization, and transport across a wide range of products—ME Food Solutions designs and builds its food processing machines following a stringent Hygiene Philosophy. This approach incorporates and interprets the sector regulations set by the European Union, with particular reference to the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC (Annex I, point 2.1).
ME Food Solutions’ Hygiene Philosophy is based on the simultaneous and complete fulfillment of four essential principles:
- No internal drum and no lubrication.
- Thoughtful design and use of rounded shapes.
- High-quality materials certified by the FDA.
- Highly effective cleaning systems.
No Internal Drum and No Lubrication
Every DLS EVO Spiral Conveyor is based on external drive technology, effectively eliminating the internal drum. This next-generation system prevents and eliminates hygiene issues caused by dirt and bacteria accumulating in areas that are otherwise unreachable during cleaning operations.
Additionally, this applies to the DLC Conveyor as well—all ME Food Solutions systems eliminate the need for fixed lubrication mechanisms. The DLSNS Belt runs on special low-friction guides and does not require lubrication with substances that could come into contact with food products.
Inoltre, ed è applicabile anche per il Conveyor DLC, tutti gli impianti ME Food Solutions non contemplano l’esigenza di sistemi fissi di oliatura: il Nastro DLSNS scorre su apposite guide a basso coefficiente d’attrito e non necessita di essere lubrificato con sostanze che potrebbero entrare in contatto con gli alimenti.
Thoughtful Design and Use of Rounded Shapes
During the design phase, all components essential to the operation of the food conveyor belt—such as gear motors and chain couplings—are carefully studied to eliminate potential risks. These components are always positioned to ensure they never come into contact with food products. Moreover, support structures feature circular cross-sections, preventing dirt and bacteria accumulation.
High-Quality Materials Certified by the FDA
The patented DLSNS conveyor belt chain is exclusively made from AISI 304 stainless steel and next-generation engineered polymers, ensuring smooth operation and product containment. The plastic materials are FDA-certified.
All food conveyor belts are manufactured using materials and processes that comply with both European Union regulations and the standards of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Thanks to strategic partnerships with leading international companies, ME Food Solutions provides food processing equipment that meets the highest technical standards while ensuring full compliance with hygiene and sanitary regulations.
Highly Effective Cleaning Systems
An effective Hygiene Philosophy must also include a highly efficient cleaning system for food processing equipment. ME Food Solutions’ DLW Washing Unit sets the highest international standard on the market, offering unparalleled performance for applications involving the release of sugary or viscous substances onto the conveyor belt.
This solution ensures full operational efficiency throughout the equipment’s lifespan, maintaining daily compliance with food processing hygiene regulations.
See DLW Washing Unit
European Union Regulations: Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC (Annex I, point 2.1)
2.1 FOOD MACHINERY AND MACHINERY FOR COSMETIC OR PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS
2.1.1 General Considerations
Machinery intended for use with food, cosmetic, or pharmaceutical products must be designed and constructed to prevent any risk of infection, disease, or contamination. The following requirements must be met:
- Materials that come into contact with food, cosmetics, or pharmaceuticals must comply with relevant regulations. The machinery must be designed and built so that these materials can be cleaned before each use. If cleaning is not possible, disposable components must be used.
- All surfaces in contact with food, cosmetic, or pharmaceutical products, except for disposable elements, must:
- Be smooth and free of roughness or crevices where organic matter could accumulate. The same requirement applies to joints between surfaces.
- Be designed and built to minimize projections, edges, and corners.
- Be easily cleanable and disinfectable, if necessary, after removing easily detachable parts. Internal corners must have radii that allow complete cleaning.
- Liquids and aerosol gases from food, cosmetic, or pharmaceutical products and from cleaning, disinfecting, and rinsing agents must be able to drain completely outside the machine (preferably in a “cleaning position”).
- The machine must be designed and built to prevent the ingress of substances or living organisms, particularly insects, into areas that cannot be cleaned.
- The machine must be designed and built to ensure that health-hazardous auxiliary substances, including lubricants, do not come into contact with food, cosmetic, or pharmaceutical products. Where necessary, the machine must allow for regular verification of compliance with this requirement.