Cleanable Wash Line Contact Surface

What did you do?

Old Athens received a Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets Produce Safety Improvement Grant to upgrade the farm's wash line by replacing two washing machines used to spin dry greens with a commercial food grade stainless spinner and upgrade draining areas by replacing wood and plastic surfaces with stainless steel. The stainless steel salad dryer was the Sammic ES-200 26lb model and the two stainless drain tables were custom made.

Why did you do it?

The primary goal of this project was to make produce safety improvements to help meet market demands for food safety and work towards FSMA Produce Safety Rule compliance.

About how much did it cost?

$6,920

How did it help?

The new stainless steel salad dyer replaced an old washing machine, which was difficult to clean both inside and out, and the tables replaced plastic tubs. The new tables drain better and the stainless mesh allows for easier cleaning since it holds less debris. Not only did this project see produce safety improvements but aided to efficiency as well. The tables have made the flow in the wash area more efficient and the Sammic ES-200 spinner has a higher capacity than the old washing machine.

What are you most pleased with?

Most pleased with efficiency and food safety improvements.

Any mistakes or lessons learned?

No.