Introduction
When it comes to beef processing, one of the biggest misconceptions is that the facilities are unclean or unsafe. As a 4th-generation cattle rancher turned beef processor, I’m here to bust that myth and show you how we maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and safety at our facility. In this post, I’ll walk you through our rigorous processes to ensure that every product we produce meets or exceeds USDA requirements.
Daily Checks and Balances: The Foundation of Safety
Cleanliness in our beef processing plant starts long before the first cut of the day. Every morning, we conduct Pre-Operational Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs) to ensure that the entire facility is ready for production. This includes:
- Inspecting Equipment: All processing equipment is checked for cleanliness, sanitization, and any missing or damaged parts.
- Food Contact Surfaces: Every table, bin, and tool that comes into contact with food is cleaned and sanitized.
- Environmental Conditions: We inspect the facility for condensation, moisture, or any other unsanitary conditions.
- Temperature Documentation: Cold storage and cooler temperatures are logged to ensure they meet strict standards for food safety.
These inspections are completed by two trained team members, and their work is double-checked by management to guarantee nothing is overlooked.
Sanitation During and After Operations
Our commitment to cleanliness doesn’t stop when the workday begins. Throughout the day, we continue to monitor the facility with operational checks. These include ensuring that all the conditions we verified during the pre-operational phase remain consistent during production.
At the end of each shift, we dedicate 2.5 to 3 hours to thoroughly cleaning the facility. This includes:
- Breaking down equipment like grinders and bandsaws for deep cleaning and inspection.
- Sanitizing all machinery, tables, and bins.
- Sweeping and sanitizing the floors.
Additionally, someone from our team arrives an hour before the next shift starts to perform a final scrubbing of any necessary areas.
USDA Oversight: A Second Layer of Assurance
In addition to our internal checks, our facility undergoes random pre-operational inspections by the USDA. This ensures that our operations consistently meet federal standards. Fun fact: The level of scrutiny we face as a beef processing plant far exceeds what’s required for most restaurants and grocery stores.
The Reality of a Modern Processing Room
Many people have an outdated or inaccurate image of what a beef processing room looks like. Whether it’s from movies or misinformation, these misconceptions couldn’t be further from the truth.
When visitors tour our facility, they are often surprised by how clean and well-maintained it is. From the spotless floors to the sanitized equipment, our processing room is a testament to our commitment to safety and quality.
Why It Matters
At the end of the day, our goal is to produce beef that you can trust. By investing time and resources into our cleaning and inspection protocols, we ensure that every product we produce is safe, high-quality, and meets your expectations.
Closing Thoughts
We take great pride in maintaining a clean and safe environment for beef processing. These efforts are part of our mission to bring transparency to the beef industry and show you exactly where your food comes from.
Want to learn more about our operation? Be sure to check out our videos and subscribe to stay updated on how we produce the best beef for your table.