Updated 7/09/2009

The type of flooring material varies with different processing areas and the amount and type of foot traffic. Food processing areas require flooring which can be readily cleaned and in good repair. Materials such as well-sealed hardwood may be suitable for some areas of a bakery where dry clean-up methods are appropriate.

Food processing areas that require flood-type cleaning (such as a fish plant), need well-sealed concrete floors with cove base and adequate drains. Heavy use areas with large, moveable equipment require more durable flooring.

Unfinished wood floors are NOT suitable in any plant areas.

In general, vinyl linoleum or tile floor covering may be satisfactory for very small operations where vacuuming and wet mopping provide sufficient clean up. Larger operations, particularly those processes that are "wet" in nature (e.g., fish, fruit, vegetables, beverages, tofu) require an easily drained, well-sealed concrete or tile floor.

Walls

The kind of wall finish depends on wall location in the plant, the proximity to work counters, sinks, and equipment and the amount of splash and cleaning exposed to the wall. Painted drywall may be suitable in warehouse areas, but it is NOT suitable in fish plants and produce processing operations such as potato or apple processors and other plants where wet clean up is necessary.

In general, wall areas in "wet" operations must be covered with a washable, non-porous, non-corrosive, smooth material that will not deteriorate when it gets wet. Wall areas within three feet of work counters, tables, and equipment must be covered with a similar material.

Recommended Stainless steel, fiberglass paneling (called glass board or Chemlite in the trade)

Satisfactory Galvanized aluminum and Formica. Vinyl covered fiberboard panels (also called Marlite in the trade), commonly used to panel bathrooms, may be used, but are easily scratched and worn from scouring and cleaning.

Painted or sealed surfaces may be acceptable for certain operations where wet cleaning is not involved.

Ceilings
Ceiling material will depend on the type of processing. The material must be sealed, cleanable, not allow moisture accumulation or mold growth, and kept in good repair. Insulation material must be covered, If there is not a drop ceiling, try to locate your processing under an area where there is a minimum of overhead fixtures, exposed pipes and other fixtures.

21 CFR 110.20(b)

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