An Added Line of Defense: Antimicrobial and Antibacterial Surfaces

An Added Line of Defense: Antimicrobial and Antibacterial Surfaces

In our last post, we talked about cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting as a critical part of every foodservice operation. Even with a vigorous cleaning and sanitizing program, multiple layers of defense are always a good idea to protect your operation and those you serve. One of those layers of protection is antimicrobial and antibacterial surfaces, but they are often misunderstood. These surfaces don’t replace frequent and thorough cleaning and sanitizing, but they do provide an additional line of defense in between cleanings.

The idea of manufacturing high-touch products with antimicrobial surfaces was born in the late 1960’s, but it took a couple decades to create truly antimicrobial polymeric products for both medical and consumer applications, and even longer to make them widely available and affordable. Fortunately, a number of commercial foodservice equipment manufacturers were early adopters of the technology, and availability of antimicrobial or antibacterial surfaces or coatings is increasing to meet the current need for increased protection. Here are a few germ-fighting products you’ll want to know about:

Shelving

Cambro Camshelving® Premium and Elements Series feature the built-in benefit of a molded-in antimicrobial branded as Camguard™. How does it work? Camguard is an antimicrobial protection permanently embedded into Camshelving shelf plates, so it cannot wash off or scratch off. This antimicrobial agent creates an inhospitable environment for microorganisms which inhibits their ability to survive and multiply on the shelf plate. Lift-off shelf plates make cleaning quick and easy, either by hand or in a commercial dishwasher. Camshelving Premium and Elements Series carry a lifetime warranty against rust and corrosion, so you can feel confident they will support maximum hygiene and safety in your operation long into the future.

Refrigerated Food Display Cases

Structural Concepts recently introduced PPG SilverSan™ antibacterial powder-coating into their paint process to further protect your food and your customers from bacteria. The technology of SilverSan™ is specially formulated to allow the protective powder-coated paint to slowly release silver ions, which are proven to inhibit the growth of bacteria on surfaces.

SilverSan™ antibacterial paint is now the standard for the black finish on every Structural Concepts food display case. The finish looks the same as before, but the SilverSan paint brings a host of benefits with it including inhibited bacteria growth, increased product longevity, and painted surfaces that are protected from incidental chemical contact. The protection from microbial growth remains constant, even if the surface has been subjected to wear and exterior exposure.

Walk-in Coolers

Another frequently-touched surface in the kitchen is the handle of the walk-in cooler. Kolpak offers a Yellow Safety Handle that is non-locking and durable. The yellow coating is antimicrobial to protect against the growth of microbes and reduce the risk of cross contamination. The Yellow Safety Handle can be specified at the time of purchase of your walk-in or ordered as a replacement part to retrofit your cooler with a handle with more safety features.

These are just a few examples of antimicrobial products available now to help you support enhanced safety protocol. Please don’t hesitate to contact us to talk about ways to keep your operation running as safely as possible.