How we clean
Thorough cleaning is an essential part of our production process. Every day, all production areas and equipment are cleaned, disinfected and checked before production starts again. On this page, we explain the different steps we take to maintain high standards of hygiene and food safety.
Daily cleaning and hygiene
After production, all production areas and equipment are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Cleaning is carried out in several steps to remove dirt, bacteria and residues of cleaning agents. Before production resumes, all areas and equipment must meet strict hygiene standards.
Meeting hygiene standards
Every day, millions of people around the world consume products processed at Vion production locations. Ensuring these products are safe and of high quality is our highest priority, and thorough cleaning plays a vital role in achieving this.
After production, dedicated cleaning teams thoroughly clean the production areas in a structured five-step process before the next production day begins.
5-step cleaning programme
At the end of their shift, the production team makes sure the production department is ready to be cleaned. We call this broom-clean. Production waste is swept up using a broom or wiper and cleared away, machines are disassembled and all loose materials are put away. No dangerous situations should occur during cleaning. Then it’s time for the cleaning crew to set to work. First, they hose everything down, collecting and removing all dirt in the department that is visible with the naked eye.
Next, the entire production area is covered with a layer of cleaning foam. Using calibrated equipment, the foam is applied to the machines, where it loosens and removes grease and other residues that may not be visible during a visual inspection.
In the following step, the foam and residual dirt are removed. Vion uses water and a spray gun for this.
In the fourth step, all equipment is disinfected using products specifically developed and approved for use in the food industry. The disinfectant is applied with calibrated equipment to ensure effective application and accurate dosing, helping to eliminate bacteria and maintain high hygiene standards.
In the fifth and final step, all equipment and production areas are rinsed with clean water. This leaves the production environment clean and disinfected, ready for the next production day.
Final check
Before production starts each day, a pre-operational hygiene inspection (Pre-SSOP) is carried out to verify that all production areas and equipment have been cleaned and disinfected correctly.
Cleaning procedures are documented in detailed cleaning specifications, which describe the required methods, equipment and cleaning agents. The results are checked every day to confirm that hygiene requirements have been met before production begins.
