When it comes to the storage of bulky materials and foodstuffs, tubs and troughs are often the ideal solution.

Tubs

Using plastic tubs allows you to store large quantities of materials, including foodstuffs and store it in an insect-proof and airtight container, reducing risk of damp and bacterial contamination.

Troughs

Freestanding plastic troughs, or troughs which can be held in steel, moveable trolleys are tough, durable and hygienic products with a variety of uses and they are frequently utilized within food processing and manufacturing, bakeries, the meat industry and catering trades. They are often used as washing and cleaning units for the cleaning of utensils and apparatus as they are very easy to clean and allow water to be drained freely and easily.

What materials?

Stainless steel 

Stainless steel does not leach chemicals.

Bacteria are a greater food safety concern than leaching chemicals. You minimize bacteria with tight sealing lids. ...Metal containers with slip-over metal lids seal as well as the best plastic containers.

Do bear in mind that metal containers with plastic lids tend not to seal very well.

Metal containers with slip-over metal lids seal as well as the best plastic containers.

Plastics

Plastic tubs are often less expensive and lightweight as well as being durable. However, not all plastics are safe for use with food;

There are seven types of plastic, usually indicated by a number in a triangle on the container bottom.

1. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE)

E.g. Disposable soft drink and water bottles.

2. High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)/

E.g. Liquid detergent bottles, shampoo bottles

3. Polyvinyl Chloride (V or PVC)

E.g. Meat wrap, cooking oil bottles.

4. Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

E.g. Clingfilm, sandwich bags

5. Polypropylene (PP)

E.g. Syrup bottles, yogurt tubs,

6. Polystyrene (PS)

E.g. Disposable coffee cups

7. Other (misc.; usually polycarbonate, or PC, but also polylactide, or PLA, plastics made from renewable resources)

E.g. Baby bottles, medical storage containers.

• The best type of plastic for use in long-term food storage is high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is indicated by the "2" symbol. HDPE is one of the most stable and inert forms of plastic, and all plastic buckets sold specifically for food storage will be made from this material.
• Also take note of any food-handling symbols imprinted on the plastic item. A standardized system of symbols is used on plastics to indicate their appropriate uses around food. A symbol depicting a cup and fork means that the plastic is safe for storing food, and is therefore a food grade container.

Key features to look for in tubs

• Hygienic design: Smooth internal and external walls to ensure easy cleaning and avoid areas where bacteria can be harboured.
• If plastic, made with food safety approved polymers. See above for more guidance on the different kinds of plastic.
• Colour coding: helps to avoid cross-contamination.
• Easy to read measures: Accurate measures inside can help with stock taking and informing staff on how much product is stored / can be added to the container.
• Durability: Investing in containers made from durable materials means you don’t have to replace equipment, but also, there’s lower risk of contamination from bacteria gathering in damaged edges.
• Close fitting lid: to enable materials and foods to be stored in hygienic, airtight conditions.

See our range of tubs on page 14 of our brochure:

https://cisafety.com/pdfs/CIS%20Cleaning-Hygiene%202015.pdf

For larger containers and tubs please contact us at sales@cisafety.com or call 01726 74264

Key features to look for in troughs

• Plug chains on the outside of the unit: this ensures the user does not have to get wet to drain the trough.
• Hygienic design: Smooth internal and external walls to ensure easy cleaning and avoid areas where bacteria can be harboured.
• If plastic, made with food safety approved polymers. See above for more guidance on the different kinds of plastic.
• Colour coding: helps to avoid cross-contamination.
• Easy to read measures: Accurate measures inside are useful particularly if containers are used for concentrated solutions.
• Durability: Investing in troughs made from durable materials means you don’t have to replace equipment, but also, there’s lower risk of contamination from bacteria gathering in damaged edges.
• Close fitting lid: to enable materials and foods to be stored in hygienic, airtight conditions.

120 LITRE WASH TROUGH C/W LID, 762 X 548 X 838MM, £470.47 227 litre capacity, insulated double-skinned body for superior heat retention. Durable and hard-wearing. Rounded profile, one piece construction with smooth surfaces - very easy to clean. Manufactured using 'food grade' material giving a Hygienic surface. 38mm drain outlet including plug - quick draining. Mould-in legs reducing the lifting height. Plug chain is fixed to outer edge so that the user does not need to get wet.

If you would like more information on products that would suit your workplace, please email us at sales@cisafety.com or call 01726 74264.

Nearly every food processing plant uses buckets and scoops in a variety of day to day tasks. Although they seem to be common and fairly insignificant items of equipment, investing in the right products can make a big difference to profit margins and to compliance to food safety regulations. Here’s our guide to key features and good products which are available.

Key features to look for in scoops

Choosing the right scoops means you can ensure that you measure the right quantities easily and efficiently, saving time, reducing wastage and ensuring you meet regulations.

Here are some key features to look for:

• Ergonomic design: lightweight scoops which are easy to hold mean staff can work more quickly, efficiently and with reduced risk of Repetitive Strain Injury. A spout on each side of the scoop, means the scoops can easily be used by both left and right-handed staff.
• Hygienic design: Particularly when used for chemicals or foodstuffs, choosing scoops which are made in one piece, and which have smooth surfaces means lower risk of bacteria gathering or residue substances remaining.
• If plastic, made with food safety approved polymers. Click here for more guidance on food contact materials.
• Colour coding: In all areas of food production, and for general manufacturing, colour coding makes it easy for staff to avoid cross-contamination of scoops.
• Easy to read measures: Accurate measures mean less waste while adhering to weights and measures regulations.
• Durability: Investing in scoops made from durable materials means you don’t have to replace equipment, but also, there’s lower risk of contamination from bacteria gathering in damaged edges.

Vikan Square Hand Scoop, 1 Litre, £2.59

Our Vikan range of scoops come in a variety of colours. They are lightweight and durable, and designed with hygiene in mind. The smooth surface makes it extremely easy to clean, ideal for use in food production areas for moving food ingredients.

Key features to look for in buckets

The humble bucket fulfills so many roles. Common uses include the following:

• Storing dry or wet ingredients
• Small cleaning tasks using a chemical solution and a brush, cloth or pad
• Storing/dosing chemicals that have to be placed in a safe area
• Soaking cleaning tools or small spare parts, such as couplings or scrapers
• Segregating allergens
• Waste collection (often in black buckets)
• Gathering up glass debris (along with a bench brush and a dustpan)
• For washing hands

Depending on what a bucket is to be used for, the following features can be hugely beneficial:

• Ergonomic design: handles which easy to hold mean it’s easier to carry heavier contents without hurting hands and less risk of dropping or spilling from the bucket. Extra handles can make it easier to pour from the bucket. Some buckets, such as those from our Vikan range also have scoops to make it easier to fill buckets with dry materials and spouts to enable more accurate pouring.

Click here for more information on our Vikan range of buckets and scoops.

• Hygienic design: Particularly when used for chemicals or foodstuffs, buckets which have durable, smooth surfaces are easier to clean thoroughly. A self-draining base also means water won’t collect when a bucket is stored upside down.
• If plastic, made with food safety approved polymers. Click here for more guidance on food contact materials.
• Colour coding: In all areas of food production, and for general manufacturing, colour coding makes it easier to avoid cross-contamination.
• Easy to read measures: Accurate measures mean less waste while adhering to weights and measures regulations.
• Durability: Investing in buckets made from durable materials means you don’t have to replace equipment as often, and there is lower risk of contamination from bacteria gathering in damaged edges.
• Signage. Some buckets, such as our green mop bucket and ringer are not only ideal for mopping floors but come with Wet Floor hazard signage to reduce the need for extra equipment.

Mop bucket and wringer, green, £9.35 15 litre

If you would like more information on products that would suit your workplace, feel free to email us at sales@cisafety.com or call 01726 74264.