Food and beverages manufacturing in Malaysia

Food and beverages manufacturing and processing in Malaysia is thriving, with a recent internal study showing that it accounts for over 7,000 companies.

Silos and bins play a crucial role in this industry, providing bulk storage for supplies such as flour, sugar, grain and animal feed. They protect the product in a stable environment to reduce the risk of spoilage from microbial growth, contamination or pest infestation.

High levels of hygiene must be maintained regularly, not only because of the high risk of contamination due to the volume of storage but also to protect the end consumer. Regular cleaning is required to prevent the build-up of residues on internal surfaces, which can create ideal conditions for microbial growth and the breeding of Stored Product Insects (SPI).

SPI is responsible for spoilage of stored commodities, causing serious problems for food and beverages manufacturers. This can cause a considerable reduction in the weight of the product, resulting in a major loss of revenue. Besides, SPI infested grain which is destined for human consumption can be downgraded due to physical damage and the reduced nutritional value of the commodity.

Good Manufacturing Practices

Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for cleaning food and beverages silos include proper sanitation procedures, effective cleaning techniques, and regular maintenance. Confined space entry must also follow GMP procedures and guidelines. The area around the silo should be kept clean, and staff performing the cleaning should wear designated clothing to prevent contamination. Flushing procedures can also be used as a sanitation measure to maintain equipment surfaces to meet GMP requirements. It is important to tailor silo cleaning procedures to each specific silo and to use GMP during the cleaning process.

Silo cleaning frequency depends on various factors such as the type of material stored in the silo, the frequency of use, and the size of the silo among other factors. It’s recommended that silos be inspected and cleaned at least twice a year or every three months if heavily used, to ensure efficient storage, minimize material losses, and prevent accidents. Some materials require more frequent cleaning, for example, if the material is prone to lumping or caking.

Certain companies that store food and beverages products are required to regularly clean and sanitize their silos to meet regulatory standards. In summary, the frequency of silo cleaning can vary depending on the specific application and should be determined based on the material stored and its unique characteristics.

So, what is your GMP on silo maintenance?

• Cleaning method: Dry / Wet / Fumigation
• Cleaning frequency yearly: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Thank you for your personal comments and it shall be kept private and confidential.

Contact us

name : Patrick M.J. Amaladoss
email : patrick [at] cemax [dot] com [dot] my
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