How to Keep Cleaning Tools from Becoming Vectors of Contamination

The FDA recently issued a warning letter to a food manufacturing facility, highlighting a critical violation related to the improper use and storage of an unclean broom. This broom was found to have spread *Listeria monocytogenes* from a wet cooler passageway into a ready-to-eat (RTE) production area. Environmental swabbing and whole genome sequencing confirmed the broom as a source of contamination. This incident underscores how cleaning tools, if not properly managed, can become vectors for cross-contamination in food facilities. According to the CDC, *Listeria monocytogenes* causes approximately 1,600 hospitalizations and 260 deaths annually in the U.S. In recent years, many outbreaks have been linked to poor sanitation in RTE deli environments. If left unchecked, harmful bacteria can form biofilms on surfaces such as tools and equipment, making them difficult to remove through regular cleaning. Other pathogens like *Salmonella* and *E. coli* O157:H7 also pose significant risks. In addition to microbial hazards, cleaning tools can carry allergens and foreign materials, further increasing the risk of contamination. To prevent these issues, a proactive and integrated sanitation approach is essential. Here are some key strategies: 1. **Implement a Risk-Based Hygienic Zoning Program** – Divide your facility into manageable zones based on risk levels. Tools used in raw product areas should be separated from those used in RTE zones. Combine this with 5S principles (Sorting, Setting-in-order, Shining, Standardizing, Sustaining) and color-coding to manage cross-contamination effectively. 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 example, black pipe brushes may be used for drains, while high-temperature resistant tools in distinct colors are ideal for oven surfaces. Explore our products 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 operations. Key factors include proper contact time, mechanical action, chemical concentration, water temperature, trained personnel, and adequate resources. 4. **Follow Proper Storage, Care, and Replacement Procedures** – Cleaned tools should be stored off the floor, heads down, and in single rows to prevent condensation from contaminating other tools. Regular inspection, ATP testing, and microbial swabbing are recommended. Damaged or worn-out tools should be replaced immediately. 5. **Use Hygienically Designed Tools** – A UK study found that nearly half of sampled cleaning tools were contaminated with *Listeria*. Choose tools with smooth, one-piece designs that are easy to clean, inspect, and maintain. Products like UST Vikan brushes and Ultra-Hygiene squeegees are ideal for high-risk areas. Remco provides expert guidance on selecting, storing, and maintaining tools to ensure effective cleaning and contamination prevention. For more information about our 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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