USDA Safety Requirements and Epoxy Flooring

The US Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service has basic requirements for the flooring in food production facilities. Whether they be retail kitchens, restaurants, or food processing plants, the demands are essentially the same. The USDA wants floors to be easy to clean and unable to harbor bacteria in cracks or crevices. These requirements make epoxy flooring an excellent choice for guaranteeing USDA compliance. Here are some highlights taken directly from the Food Code, found on the website of the USDA.

Epoxy Flooring is Smooth and Easily Cleaned

The very first standard under Floors and Walls is that they be “smooth and easily cleaned.” Anti-slip coatings can be applied, and California Custom Coatings can discuss with our clients the options that comply with USDA requirements. Where the wall meets the floor, depending on the typical cleaning method, the “floor and wall junctures shall be covered and sealed.” Coved flooring readily meets this requirement, and is available from California Custom Coatings.

Don’t Even Think About Carpet

It goes without saying that carpet is not a good choice for a food production facility. The USDA spells it out by saying:

A floor covering such as carpeting or similar material may not be installed as a floor covering in food preparation areas, walk-in refrigerators, warewashing areas, toilet room areas where handwashing lavatories, toilets, and urinals are located, refuse storage rooms, or other areas where the floor is subject to moisture, flushing, or spray cleaning methods.”

Carpet is neither smooth, nor particularly easy to clean in areas subject to moisture. While it may be very comfortable underfoot, it is essentially verboten for areas where food is made.

Get Help from California Custom Coatings

We are happy to help our Sacramento and Northern California customers with the building or renovation of food production facilities. Epoxy flooring readily meets the requirements for any room involved with food preparation or storage. Going with help from California Custom Coatings will make your inspections go easy, both at the start, and in the future. To find out more, contact us via our website, or by phone, for a free consultation.