How to Keep Cleaning Tools from Becoming Vectors of Contamination

In recent months, the FDA issued a warning letter to a food manufacturing facility, highlighting critical violations related to improper use and storage of an unclean broom. This mistake led to the spread of *Listeria monocytogenes* from a wet cooler passageway into a ready-to-eat (RTE) production area. Environmental swabs and whole genome sequencing confirmed that the broom was the source of contamination. This example underscores how cleaning tools can become vectors for cross-contamination if not properly selected, used, cleaned, stored, or maintained. According to the CDC, *Listeria monocytogenes* causes approximately 1,600 hospitalizations and 260 deaths in the U.S. each year. In recent years, many outbreaks have been linked to poor sanitation practices in RTE deli facilities. If left unchecked, these harmful microorganisms can form biofilms on surfaces like tools, utensils, and equipment—making them extremely difficult to remove through standard cleaning methods. Other pathogens like *Salmonella* and *E. coli* O157:H7 are also known to form biofilms, posing serious public health risks. Additionally, cleaning tools can carry allergens and foreign materials, which can lead to serious safety issues if not controlled. To prevent such incidents, it's essential to adopt a proactive and integrated approach to sanitation. Here are some key strategies: 1. **Implement a risk-based hygienic zoning program** – Divide your facility into manageable zones based on risk levels. Separate tools used in raw product areas from those used in RTE zones. Combining this with 5S (Sorting, Setting-in-order, Shining, Standardizing, Sustaining) and color-coding systems can significantly reduce cross-contamination. 2. **Choose high-quality, color-coded tools** – Remco offers a wide range of sanitation tools, including brushes, brooms, and squeegees, suitable for both food-contact and non-food-contact surfaces. For instance, black pipe brushes may be used for drains, while heat-resistant tools of another color are ideal for oven cleaning. Explore our range at: [https://remcoproducts.com/products/](https://remcoproducts.com/products/). 3. **Ensure effective tool decontamination** – Tools must be cleaned and sanitized before and after each use, especially between high-risk tasks. Key factors include contact time, mechanical action, chemical concentration, water temperature, trained staff, and proper resources. Validation and verification are essential to ensure effectiveness. 4. **Follow proper storage, care, and replacement protocols** – Store cleaned tools on racks, heads down and off the floor. Arrange them in a single row to prevent condensation from dripping onto lower tools. Regularly inspect tools using visual checks, ATP testing, and microbial swabs. Replace any damaged or worn-out tools immediately. 5. **Use hygienically designed tools** – A UK study found that 47% of sampled cleaning tools were contaminated with *Listeria monocytogenes*. Choose tools that are smooth, one-piece constructed, easy to clean, and free of contamination traps. The UST Vikan brushes and Ultra-Hygiene Squeegees are excellent choices for high-risk areas like RTE processing rooms. Remco provides expert guidance on selecting, storing, maintaining, and using tools to ensure safe and effective cleaning in food plants. For more information about our products and solutions, visit our website today. **References:** 1. Food Safety News – [https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2020/11/two-california-food-companies-warned-over-violations/](https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2020/11/two-california-food-companies-warned-over-violations/) 2. Biofilm prevention and removal – [https://go.remcoproducts.com/biofilms](https://go.remcoproducts.com/biofilms) 3. 5S in the food industry – [https://remcoproducts.com/5s-in-the-food-industry/](https://remcoproducts.com/5s-in-the-food-industry/) 4. Color-coding toolkit – [https://remcoproducts.com/toolkit/](https://remcoproducts.com/toolkit/) 5. Cleaning tool maintenance – [https://remcoproducts.com/cleaning-tool-maintenance/](https://remcoproducts.com/cleaning-tool-maintenance/) 6. Hygienic design of brushes – [https://remcoproducts.com/ust-white-paper/](https://remcoproducts.com/ust-white-paper/)

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