Dry Ice: FDA Guidelines For Use In Food Services

Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide frozen at -79 degrees Celsius. Though the average consumer may only be familiar with the act of renting dry ice machines for use in children's parties or magic shows (where its sublimation produces a mysterious and exciting mist), it performs a variety of roles in a number of industries. Food service departments take full advantage of the power of dry ice, from its cooling properties to its use in cleaning.


A Cold Clean

The U.S. government places very stringent rules and regulations on any chemical use in the food industry. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for ensuring these rules are followed as any contamination (be it biological, chemical, or physical) could cause serious problems among the general public. Since guaranteeing a clean workspace in food services is one of the best ways to prevent contamination, dry ice blasting is often used to eradicate hard-to-remove messes from equipment.


The high force allows grit and grime to be blasted away without leaving a chemical trace or any physical damage behind (because it sublimates and turns back into gas during the process), removing the need for disassembly and caustic chemicals. Dry ice machinescan be rented or purchased to provide environmentally sustainable cleaning.


Preservation And Prep

The FDA also approves the use of dry ice in food preparation and preservation ; the subzero temperatures offer an alternative cooling method when mechanical means are unavailable. As stated above, food-grade dry ice poses no chemical threat. The FDA is more concerned about proper handling and awareness than contamination as exposure to dry ice can cause significant damage.


"Both liquid nitrogen and dry ice can cause severe damage to skin and internal organs if mishandled or accidentally ingested due to the extremely low temperatures they can maintain. As such, liquid nitrogen and dry ice should not be directly consumed or allowed to directly contact exposed skin."


As such, the FDA requires training for the safe receipt, storage, and handling of dry ice if it is to be used in a food setting, as well as the warning notices to be conspicuously posted in open areas where employees will constantly be exposed to them.


By nat rosasco July 12, 2019
Most manufacturers require foolproof machine-cleaning methods in order to roll out clean, nontoxic products and stay in compliance with federal regulations related to consumer safety. This is especially relevant to manufacturers of food products or any appliances related to producing or preparing food. Since water blasting and sand blasting, both traditional methods of industrial cleaning, can leave behind debris or damage, enter dry ice cleaning services. The method of dry ice cleaning can be sterile and is very clean and clear of clutter, making it an efficient tool for heat exchanger cleaning services. Learn more about dry ice blasting and why it is superior to all other commercial cleaning methods. More Efficient Cleaning Dry ice isn't actually ice; it's solid carbon dioxide. this solid is formed and cooled down to 79 degrees C, and it's preserved at that level for specialized industrial purposes. those purposes typically include cleaning or shipping products. Where cleaning is concerned, dry ice blasting equipment polishes and cleans industrial machinery and products at supersonic speeds. What can be cleaned within hours with a sand blaster can be transformed to a like-new state with a dry ice cleaning machine in minutes. Of course, since efficiency and timeliness are paramount in virtually every industry, working with a team of dry ice blasting contractors can be a major asset to a manufacturer. Environmentally Sound It is in a manufacturer's best interest to create products and use processes that are eco-friendly. Industrial manufacturers are traditionally known to be creators of pollution in massive proportions. Part of the pollution problem has to do with cleaning procedures and the disposal of waste. With dry ice cleaning, the process is drastically more refined and much less prone to scattering debris. Dry ice does not need to be put to waste, and the cleaning machines used do not need as much cleaning themselves as other more traditional industrial cleaning equipment does. Not only is the process of dry ice blasting kinder to the environment, but everything, from the dry ice itself to the intricate machinery, can be recycled and repurposed. This gives the equipment a much longer lifespan. Some Industries Can Only Rely On Dry Ice Blasting Some manufacturing companies can only rely on specialized, truly clean maintenance services. Food equipment, for instance, cannot be cleaned with a sand blaster. HVAC and space heater manufacturers, in turn, must rely on heat exchanger cleaning services that don't use water. Dry ice is the perfect cleaning solution for almost any industry. Additionally, it is the only option for more specialized industries that deal with food, flammable particles, or equipment and substances that might otherwise be damaged by water. Final Thoughts Does your company need heat exchanger cleaning services or other industrial cleaning services that require the use of dry ice? If so, contact us to learn how our process and our unique capabilities can fit your needs.
By nat rosasco July 10, 2019
For those somewhat unfamiliar with dry ice blasting, the first step is to understand what it does not involve. There is no “ice” involved in the dry ice blasting process. Dry ice is not ice as we know it. It’s solid carbon dioxide at -79 degrees Celsius. While the name may bring to mind images of ice being hurled at a surface, that is not the case at all. It is more like a cloud of cold steam. But one of the best features of dry ice blasting is the fact that it involves environmentally sustainable cleaning. This makes it so regardless of the industry you are in, you can use this method of cleaning knowing that you are still doing your part to conserve the environment we depend on. There are more benefits as well, however. Here are a few of them.
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By nat rosasco June 18, 2019
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If you are looking for a commercial cleaning company, it would be good to consider a company that uses modern CO2 cleaning and CO2 cleaning equipment; you will get several benefits that you cannot get from a standard cleaning solution. Here are some of the top benefits of dry ice blasting cleaning.
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Overall, dry ice blasting has been an effective and efficient method of cleaning materials for over the last 70 years. It is handy by not needing to fully deconstruct machines, while also not raising any concerns over flame or electrical hazards. Compared to liquid solvent cleaning methods, dry ice cleaning should be heavily considered for your next machine needing cleaning, no matter the industry you work in.
A poster that says 1 in 6 americans contract a foodborne illness every year
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These are only just a few of the benefits of utilizing a dry ice cleaning service. If you're interested in learning more, contact us today.
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Whether you're an expert or a beginner, there's no harm in refreshing your knowledge every once in a while.
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