High-Temperature Tools in Food Processing

Food processing regularly involves frying, roasting, pasteurization, and sterilization—all of which require varying degrees of heat. These hot surfaces call for tools that can withstand high temperatures to clean or handle food products.

High-temperature tools should comfortably be able to withstand temperatures of 212° F or above during their use, which means most conventional tools aren’t suited for the job. That’s why Remco and Vikan have recently launched a full high-temperature range of sanitation and material handling tools.

Generally, there are three main scenarios as to when these heat-resistant tools are required in a food processing environment:

• Where there is the potential of debris on surfaces to harden when being cooled, hence they need to be removed while still hot;
• Where conventional tools may become damaged, harm the equipment, and/or become a food safety or quality hazard when used on a heated surface; or
• To minimize polymer/additive migration from a heated conventional handling tool to food or a hot food contact surface.

Here are some common guidelines to follow when using high-temperature tools in a food plant:

1. Employee safety first – use the right PPE to protect employees from hot surfaces.
2. Turn off the heat source when using the tools. The cooler the surface the better, as long as this does not influence debris removal or negatively influence cleaning procedures.
3. Understand the variability of the process. High-temperatures alone may not be the only factor. Assess the other operating conditions, such as the chemicals being used, the applied mechanical force, the contact time, the surface type, and the soil.
4. Select the right tools for the right job.
5. Inspect tools often and replace bad or damaged tools immediately. Ensure proper storage, care, and maintenance to increase the life of the tools.
6. Try out a sample tool on a small area before putting it to actual use to ensure it can withstand the heat and is able to clean the area.

Remco offers a range of temperature-resistant tools, such as brushes, scrapers, hoes, and paddles, in up to 9 colors. These tools are durable and withstand use in temperatures of up to 212° F on food contact surfaces and 347° F on non-food contact surfaces in 2-minute intervals.

To view Remco and Vikan’s high-temp range, click here.