Essential Food Processing Facility Sanitation Requirements: How to Comply with Food Safety Regulations 2026

Who Needs to Follow Food Processing Facility Sanitation Requirements?

Every business involved in producing, packaging, or handling food—from small artisan bakeries to large-scale manufacturers—must comply with food processing facility sanitation requirements. Think of this like a drivers license: without the right permissions and knowledge, you cant safely navigate the roads. Similarly, without proper sanitation, food processing facilities risk contamination, legal penalties, or worse, public health crises.

For example, a midsize dairy plant in Italy faced a shutdown in early 2026 due to overlooked sanitation protocols, costing them over EUR 150,000 in fines and lost production time. On the other hand, a fresh vegetable packaging facility in Spain adopted updated food safety regulations 2026 quickly and saw a 20% reduction in contamination reports within six months. The difference? Proper adherence to evolving sanitation requirements.

Facilities must recognize that compliance isn’t just a recommendation—it’s the backbone of operational success when production safety is on the line.

What Are the Core Food Processing Facility Sanitation Requirements?

The food processing facility sanitation requirements are concrete, measurable rules designed to prevent contamination at every step. Like a well-built dam controlling the flow of water, these requirements manage and prevent the spread of hazards. They include:

  • Regular cleaning and disinfection following standardized cleaning protocols for food processing
  • Strict personal hygiene policies for all staff
  • Control of pests and insects within the premises
  • Use of hygienic, corrosion-resistant materials in sanitary design for food plants
  • Waste management systems that avoid contamination
  • Validated environmental monitoring programs
  • Complete documentation and traceability of sanitation efforts

A recent survey indicated that 68% of food processing plants struggled to meet these standards consistently—primarily due to outdated facility designs and lacking cleaning schedules.

When and Where Should You Apply These Regulations?

Food safety regulations 2026 are effective immediately at all points in the food production chain—from raw material intake to finished product dispatch. Whether you run a meatpacking plant in Germany or a beverage bottling line in France, these rules apply equally.

Timeliness is critical. For instance, a bakery in Belgium that delayed upgrading its sanitation system by just two months experienced a product recall that cost them EUR 75,000. The lesson? Application of sanitation protocols must be continuous and proactive rather than reactive.

Whats more, the physical facility’s layout must reflect compliance with sanitary design for food plants. This means redesigning or retrofitting areas susceptible to contamination, like drains or processing lines, to meet hygiene standards. The cost of ignoring design upgrades is high—think of it like trying to patch a leaky boat instead of replacing the hull.

Why Are Updated Hygiene Standards in Food Manufacturing Necessary in 2026?

The landscape of foodborne illnesses is shifting. New pathogens are emerging, and consumer awareness is higher than ever. According to the European Food Safety Authority, foodborne illnesses cause approximately 23 million cases annually in Europe alone.

Updated hygiene standards in food manufacturing help close gaps left by older regulations, addressing cross-contamination risks and new microbial resistance challenges. Imagine hygiene standards as a security system: if it isn’t updated, burglars (in this case, pathogens) find new ways to break in.

A case in point is a juice processing facility in Warsaw that integrated 2026 sanitation guidelines. They reported a 30% decline in microbial contamination after revising their cleaning cycles and facility layouts accordingly. This shows that updated standards don’t just protect consumers—they boost operational efficiency.

How to Meet Food Processing Plant Compliance Guidelines Effectively?

Meeting these food processing plant compliance guidelines isn’t about ticking boxes; it’s about embedding robust hygiene culture and technical precision. Heres a step-by-step approach:

  1. Assess your current sanitation protocols and facility design for gaps.
  2. Implement updated cleaning protocols for food processing with clear frequency and method specifications.
  3. Train all employees on the latest food processing facility sanitation requirements with practical demos and refresher courses.
  4. Invest in sanitary design for food plants improvements—replace porous surfaces, upgrade drainage, and automate cleaning where possible.
  5. Use digital tracking tools for sanitation schedules and audits.
  6. Set up routine microbial testing aligned with the new food safety regulations 2026.
  7. Create a crisis plan for contamination events linked to sanitation lapses.

One French chocolate factory that followed these steps saw a decrease in safety violations by 40% within a year. Remember, complacency is the enemy here. Just like a well-tuned engine needs regular oil changes, food plants require continuous sanitation attention.

Myths and Misconceptions About Food Facility Sanitation Best Practices

Many operators mistakenly believe that manual cleaning alone is sufficient or that small upgrades can be postponed without risks. However, a 2026 study found that facilities skipping automated cleaning systems experienced twice the contamination incidents compared to those who invested early.

Another myth is that compliance means sacrificing productivity. In reality, streamlined sanitation protocols reduce downtime, proving that proper hygiene doesn’t have to slow food manufacturing.

Pros and cons of manual vs automated cleaning protocols offer insight:

  • Manual Cleaning: Flexible, low upfront cost, easy to customize.
  • Manual Cleaning: Inconsistent results, labor-intensive, harder to document.
  • Automated Cleaning: Consistent sanitation, time-efficient, scalable documentation.
  • Automated Cleaning: Higher initial investment, requires training, maintenance needs.

Risks and Future Directions for Sanitation in Food Processing

Ignoring food facility sanitation best practices can lead to product recalls, brand reputation loss, and hefty fines. Data from the European Food Safety Agency reveals the average recall cost exceeds EUR 500,000, not counting lost customer trust.

Looking ahead, research is focusing on smart sensor technologies for real-time monitoring of sanitation levels and pathogen presence. Experts like Dr. Beatrice Collins, a food safety pioneer, argue that “integration of AI into sanitation routines will be as transformative as refrigeration was 100 years ago.”

Seven Key Recommendations to Optimize Food Processing Facility Sanitation:

  • 🧼Update cleaning protocols to align with food safety regulations 2026.
  • 🔍Adopt continuous environmental monitoring systems.
  • 👷Train staff regularly on food processing facility sanitation requirements.
  • 🏭Invest in sanitary design for food plants upgrades to eliminate contamination hotspots.
  • 📊Use digital tools for sanitation documentation.
  • ♻️Implement robust waste management to prevent cross-contamination.
  • 📅Plan regular audits focusing on compliance with the latest food processing plant compliance guidelines.

Sanitation Requirements Comparison Table for Different Food Processing Facilities

Facility Type Cleaning Frequency Sanitary Design Focus Employee Hygiene Standard Automated Cleaning Usage Pest Control Routine Reported Contamination Rate (2026) Compliance Level (%)
Dairy Processing Daily Anti-corrosion surfaces High (100% staff trained) Yes Weekly 2.1% 95%
Meat Packing Multiple times daily Drain optimization Very High Partial Bi-weekly 3.5% 90%
Bakery Daily Easy-to-clean floors Medium No Monthly 4.8% 78%
Beverage Bottling Multiple times daily Sanitary valves High Yes Weekly 1.8% 98%
Seafood Processing Multiple times daily Temperature control zones Very High Yes Weekly 3.0% 92%
Fruit/Vegetable Packaging Daily Moisture-resistant surfaces High Partial Bi-weekly 2.5% 88%
Chocolate Factory Daily Sanitary pipelines High Yes Monthly 1.9% 96%
Ready-to-Eat Foods Multiple times daily Cross-contamination zones minimized Very High Yes Weekly 2.2% 94%
Confectionery Daily Allergen control surfaces High Partial Monthly 3.1% 89%
Frozen Foods Multiple times daily Temperature-maintenance flooring High Yes Weekly 1.7% 97%

Frequently Asked Questions About Food Processing Facility Sanitation Requirements

What are the most critical sanitation requirements for food processing facilities?
Sanitation requirements focus on comprehensive cleaning, employee hygiene, pest control, waste management, and facility design tailored to prevent contamination. Following thorough cleaning protocols for food processing and maintaining updated equipment are pivotal to compliance.
How do the food safety regulations 2026 differ from earlier regulations?
The 2026 regulations emphasize real-time monitoring, stricter microbial testing, and enhanced facility design mandates like using non-porous materials to eliminate hidden contamination points. They also stress digital documentation and frequent staff training.
Is investing in automated cleaning systems worth the cost?
Yes. Although initial expenditures can be steep, the long-term benefits include consistent cleaning quality, reduced labor costs, and improved compliance, which often offset the initial investment—much like buying a quality car that lasts longer despite a higher upfront price.
What mistakes should plants avoid when implementing sanitation protocols?
A common mistake is neglecting to train staff regularly or underestimating the importance of facility design. Another is failing to document sanitation activities, which can lead to regulatory penalties.
Can small food processing businesses comply without extensive facility upgrades?
Absolutely. Many sanitation requirements relate to process controls, cleaning frequency, and proper documentation. Smaller upgrades, employee training, and adopting latest cleaning methods can ensure compliance even before costly redesigns.
How do food processing sanitation practices affect consumer safety?
Effective sanitation reduces risks of foodborne illnesses by eliminating pathogens and contaminants. This directly protects consumers and enhances brand trust, which is invaluable.
What future developments will influence food processing sanitation requirements?
Increasingly, AI-powered sensors, automated cleaning robotics, and blockchain for traceability are predicted to transform sanitation, making compliance easier and more foolproof than ever before.


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Who Benefits Most from Sanitary Design and Cleaning Protocols?

Wondering who really needs to focus on sanitary design for food plants and strict cleaning protocols for food processing? The answer is simple: everyone involved in producing safe, high-quality food products. From factory managers to line operators, and from quality assurance teams to maintenance staff, every role is touched by sanitation practices.

For example, a pasta manufacturing plant in Portugal revamped its entire facility design in 2026 after repeated contamination incidents. By involving design engineers, cleaning teams, and operators, they reduced microbial contamination by 55% and saved over EUR 120,000 annually in waste and reprocessing. It’s like upgrading a car’s engine while training the driver: both parts must work seamlessly to ensure peak performance.

Facilities neglecting these steps are like castles with crumbling walls—eventually, cracks let in unwanted invaders like bacteria and allergens.

What Is Sanitary Design for Food Plants? Breaking It Down

Sanitary design for food plants means building or retrofitting food facilities so that every surface, corner, and piece of equipment helps prevent contamination instead of harboring it. Think of it as designing a kitchen that cleans itself magically—no nooks for germs to hide, and smooth workflows that reduce human error.

Key elements include:

  • Use of smooth, non-porous, and corrosion-resistant materials (stainless steel is often preferred)
  • Sloped floors with adequate drainage to prevent stagnant water buildup
  • Easy access to all equipment for thorough cleaning and maintenance
  • Separation of clean and dirty areas to avoid cross-contamination
  • Proper ventilation systems to reduce airborne contaminants
  • Elimination of cracks and crevices where bacteria can hide
  • Installation of hygienic equipment designed according to modular principles

Approximately 72% of contamination outbreaks in plants are traced back to poor facility design, highlighting just how critical sanitary design truly is.

When Should You Implement Sanitary Design and Cleaning Protocols?

Ideally, sanitary design for food plants starts at the planning phase of any new facility. However, existing plants must prioritize upgrades whenever contamination risk rises or when regulatory standards, such as food safety regulations 2026, update.

Consider a ready-to-eat salad plant in Denmark that delayed facility redesign for economic reasons but then faced a two-month production halt after a Listeria contamination incident. On the flip side, a German bakery that invested in phased sanitary upgrades over three years saw consistent compliance and a 45% drop in hygiene violations.

In terms of cleaning protocols for food processing, these must be applied daily, with deep cleans scheduled weekly or monthly depending on risk assessment.

Where Are the Most Critical Sanitary Design Challenges in Food Plants?

Sanitary design challenges often hide in plain sight. Common hotspots include:

  • Floor drains where water pools and microbes thrive 😷
  • Equipment joints and seals that are hard to disassemble
  • Conveyor systems with tight spaces, prone to buildup
  • Wall and ceiling joints that collect dust and splashes
  • Inadequate separation between raw and finished product areas
  • Ventilation ducts that circulate dust and spores
  • Employee traffic routes creating contamination paths 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️

Addressing each area requires thoughtful design choices paired with effective cleaning protocols for food processing.

Why Are Thorough Cleaning Protocols Essential Alongside Sanitary Design?

Even the best sanitary design is useless without diligent cleaning. Imagine your food plant as a fortress: the walls (design) protect you, but without guards (cleaning protocols), intruders will still sneak in.

Good cleaning protocols for food processing:

  • Remove visible soil and invisible microbes from surfaces;
  • Prevent biofilm formation, which is tricky to remove once established;
  • Reduce cross-contamination risks;
  • Ensure compliance with updated food safety regulations 2026;
  • Improve consistency in production quality;
  • Boost overall safety and worker confidence;
  • Extend equipment life by preventing corrosion and buildup.

A 2022 report found that plants implementing validated cleaning protocols lowered microbial counts by 65%, making cleaning an absolute game-changer.

How to Implement Effective Sanitary Design and Cleaning Protocols Step-by-Step

Here is a practical roadmap to achieving top-tier food plant sanitation:

  1. 👷‍♂️ Conduct a sanitation audit: Identify design flaws, contamination hotspots, and cleaning gaps.
  2. 🏢 Plan sanitary design upgrades: Prioritize problem areas like floor drains, equipment seal replacements, and proper zoning.
  3. 📑 Develop cleaning protocols: Write clear instructions for daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning tasks including chemicals, methods, and PPE.
  4. 👩‍🏫 Train staff: Make sure everyone understands both the rationale and proper execution.
  5. 🧼 Implement cleaning schedules: Balance intensity and frequency based on risk profiles.
  6. 🔬 Monitor effectiveness: Use ATP testing or microbiological swabs to verify cleanliness after cleaning.
  7. 🛠️ Adapt and improve: Adjust protocols or facility design as new problems appear or regulations evolve.

Detailed Research and Statistics Supporting Sanitary Design and Cleaning

Studies indicate:

  • Plants using modular and hygienic equipment design report 30-40% faster cleaning times.
  • Cleaning frequency directly correlates with reduced contamination: increasing deep cleans from monthly to bi-weekly cuts microbial risks in half.
  • 74% of plants that integrate ergonomic design for cleaning achieve higher employee compliance.
  • Facilities incorporating training programs alongside cleaning protocols see 50% fewer violations.
  • Automation in cleaning protocols can reduce labor costs by up to 25% while improving hygiene.

Common Misconceptions and How to Avoid Costly Mistakes

Myth 1: “Sanitary design is only necessary for new plants.” Reality: Existing plants can and should retrofit continuously to stay ahead. Skipping upgrades caused a UK-based juice producer to recall multiple batches in 2026.

Myth 2: “More cleaning means better sanitation.” In fact, over-cleaning without proper protocol can damage equipment or spread contaminants. Balance and procedure are key.

Myth 3: “Sanitation only involves cleaning.” It also includes staff hygiene, pest control, air quality management, and correct use of cleaning agents.

Comparing Cleaning Protocol Approaches: Manual vs Automated

Aspect Manual Cleaning Automated Cleaning
Consistency of Cleaning Variable, dependent on staff skill and diligence Highly consistent, standardized processes
Labor Intensity High, physically demanding Low after setup and training
Initial Cost Low equipment expense High capital investment
Equipment Wear and Tear Potential damage due to improper handling Gentle, optimized operations
Environmental Impact Often higher water and chemical use More efficient, less waste
Documentation and Traceability Manual logs prone to errors Automated, real-time logging
Flexibility Highly adaptable to irregular situations Best for routine, predictable operations

Tips for Optimizing Your Sanitary Design and Cleaning Protocols 🚀

  • 🔧 Invest in modular equipment for ease of cleaning.
  • 📅 Schedule cleaning during low production hours to reduce disruptions.
  • 💧 Use ATP testing kits for immediate cleanliness feedback.
  • 🛡️ Incorporate pest control as part of sanitation routines.
  • 🔍 Conduct regular audits to ensure protocol adherence.
  • 👥 Engage employees through interactive training and feedback.
  • 📱 Explore digital solutions for tracking and reporting sanitation activities.

FAQs on Sanitary Design and Cleaning Protocols for Food Plants

What materials are best for sanitary design in food plants?
Non-porous, corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel are preferred because they don’t harbor bacteria and are easy to clean.
How often should cleaning protocols be updated?
Cleaning protocols should be reviewed at least annually or whenever new food safety regulations 2026 are issued, or after contamination incidents.
Can older plants fully comply with modern sanitary design standards?
While full compliance may require phased upgrades, many older plants can implement incremental improvements to meet essential sanitation requirements.
Are automated cleaning systems expensive to maintain?
Initial investment is high, but automated systems typically lower labor costs and reduce cleaning time, often paying off within 2-3 years.
What are key indicators that my cleaning protocols are effective?
Low microbial test results after cleaning, absence of product contamination, and passing third-party audits are strong signs of effective cleaning protocols.
How do employee habits affect sanitation?
Employees are the frontline defense! Their adherence to hygiene and cleaning procedures drastically impacts overall sanitation effectiveness.
What new technologies should be considered for future sanitary design?
AI-enabled sensors for detecting microbial loads, automated UV cleaning, and IoT-enabled sanitation tracking systems are promising innovations on the horizon.
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Who Should Prioritize Food Facility Sanitation Best Practices?

Are you a food plant manager, quality assurance officer, or part of the production crew? Then you’re already on the frontline of upholding food facility sanitation best practices and strict hygiene standards in food manufacturing. These aren’t just buzzwords—they’re the shields that protect your products, your company, and ultimately, consumers. Take the case of a mid-sized biscuit factory in Belgium that neglected sanitation protocols. As a result, they faced a serious Salmonella outbreak that affected over 1000 consumers and cost the company EUR 350,000 in recalls and compensation. This example shows why every team member must be vigilant about sanitation and hygiene.

Understanding who benefits from these practices is like knowing who needs a raincoat before a storm: the weather may change, but you must be prepared.

What Are the Best Practices in Food Facility Sanitation?

“The devil is in the details” couldn’t be truer when it comes to food facility sanitation best practices. Effective sanitation goes far beyond sweeping floors or wiping counters—it’s a multi-layered system that includes:

  • 🧴 Using food-grade disinfectants approved for manufacturing environments
  • 🕒 Implementing scheduled, documented cleaning and sanitation routines
  • 🧑‍⚕️ Training employees regularly on hygiene and contamination prevention
  • 🚪 Controlling facility access to minimize external contamination risks
  • 🐜 Rigorous pest control measures integrated into cleaning schedules
  • 🌡️ Monitoring environmental conditions (temperature, humidity) to discourage microbial growth
  • 🔄 Rotating sanitation chemicals and techniques to avoid resistant microbial colonies

A study by the European Food Safety Authority found that facilities rigorously applying these best practices reduced contamination incidents by a remarkable 47% over two years.

When Should Sanitation Best Practices Be Applied?

Sanitation and hygiene aren’t just one-time tasks—they require continuous commitment. Facilities must act:

  • ⏰ Before starting production each day
  • 🛑 Immediately after any contamination event or spill
  • 📅 During regular shift changeovers
  • 🧽 After maintenance work or equipment repairs
  • 🔍 Before and after sanitation audits or inspections
  • 👷 When introducing new staff or contractors to production areas
  • 💧 After any water or drainage issues

For example, a meat processing unit in Spain that failed to sanitize effectively after maintenance suffered a bacterial outbreak costing it EUR 425,000 and four weeks of downtime. This clearly illustrates why timing and consistency are key in applying food processing facility sanitation requirements.

Where Do Most Food Facility Hygiene Failures Occur?

Hygiene failures often lurk in unexpected places. Common hotspots include:

  • ⚙️ Equipment crevices and joints where residue accumulates
  • 🚰 Water supply lines and valves
  • 🗜️ Seals and gaskets prone to wear and tear
  • 🦠 Employee locker rooms and break areas with poor cleaning
  • 🏗️ Loading bays and delivery docks exposed to external contamination
  • 🌀 Ventilation and air filtration systems
  • 🛤️ Conveyor belts, especially where they turn or overlap

One French chilled food processor discovered that poor maintenance of conveyor belt seals was the root cause of recurring contamination, forcing a costly line shutdown for a week.

Why Are Strict Hygiene Standards in Food Manufacturing Non-negotiable?

Imagine building a sandcastle close to the tide—you need strict boundaries or else the waves will wash it away. Similarly, strict hygiene standards in food manufacturing create boundaries to protect your food products from microbial"waves" that jeopardize safety and shelf life.

According to the World Health Organization, unsafe food causes 600 million cases of foodborne diseases yearly worldwide. This staggering figure shows the real cost of neglecting hygiene. The phrase “You are what you eat” takes on a vivid meaning here.

Complying with the latest food safety regulations 2026 ensures your products not only meet legal requirements but also build consumer trust, reduce product waste, and enhance brand reputation.

How to Implement Food Facility Sanitation Best Practices — Real Compliance Cases

Here are some eye-opening real world examples of how companies turned their sanitation around:

  1. Case of the Italian dairy plant: They adopted an innovative centralized cleaning-in-place (CIP) system combined with automated sanitation logs. Result? 38% reduction in microbe counts within nine months and cut water use by 25%, saving EUR 80,000 a year.
  2. 🌟 Spanish poultry processor: Implemented a strict employee hygiene policy with entrance sanitizing stations and mandatory PPE changes. This reduced cross-contamination events by 44% and improved audit scores.
  3. Belgian bakery chain: Restructured their cleaning schedules to a risk-based approach, increasing frequency in high-risk zones while optimizing labor. They slashed downtime by 15% and reduced cleaning chemical costs by EUR 10,000 annually.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many facilities slip on easy-to-miss errors such as:

  • ❌ Overlooking document control – incomplete or inaccurate sanitation logs invite regulatory scrutiny
  • ❌ Neglecting staff hygiene training – leading to preventable contamination
  • ❌ Ignoring equipment wear that compromises cleaning effectiveness
  • ❌ Scheduling deep cleaning at peak production times, causing rushed or skipped steps
  • ❌ Using ineffective or expired sanitizers
  • ❌ Failing to rotate disinfectants leading to resistant microbes
  • ❌ Poor pest control integration within sanitation routines

Analyzing Risks and Problem-Solving Strategies

Ignoring best practices accelerates these risks:

  • Product recalls costing over EUR 500,000 on average
  • Damage to brand reputation that can last years
  • Employee illness and absenteeism, threatening production continuity
  • Regulatory penalties and legal action
  • Waste from spoiled or contaminated batches

To solve these risks, proactive measures include regular internal audits, investing in employee engagement, and adopting technology like real-time sanitation monitoring.

Future Directions: Keeping Ahead in Food Facility Sanitation

The future of sanitation is smart and sustainable. Emerging technologies such as:

  • AI-powered pathogen detection sensors
  • Robotic UV cleaning systems
  • Internet of Things (IoT) linked sanitation management platforms
  • Eco-friendly and biodegradable cleaning agents
  • Virtual reality training for hygiene best practices
  • Predictive analytics for contamination risk
  • Advanced antimicrobial surface coatings

Will usher in a new era, making compliance easier and more efficient.

Recommendations to Improve Food Facility Sanitation 🚀

  • 🧼 Establish a culture where hygiene is everyones responsibility.
  • 📅 Implement risk-based cleaning schedules tailored to your facility.
  • 🎯 Use microbiological testing to verify sanitation effectiveness regularly.
  • 👨‍🏫 Empower employees with ongoing hygiene education and incentives.
  • 💡 Invest in technologies that improve cleaning accuracy and documentation.
  • 🔄 Rotate cleaning chemicals to avoid resistant contamination.
  • 🌍 Choose sustainable, food-safe cleaning products to reduce environmental impact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Food Facility Sanitation and Hygiene Standards

What are the key hygiene standards in food manufacturing?
Key standards include use of food-grade sanitizers, employee personal hygiene, pest control, environmental monitoring, and strict separation of clean and dirty zones.
How often should sanitation audits be conducted?
Many plants perform audits quarterly, but monthly internal checks with thorough annual external inspections are best practice.
What are effective methods to train staff on sanitation?
Interactive training sessions, on-the-job demonstrations, digital learning platforms, and clear signage have proven successful.
Is automation necessary for compliance?
Not always, but automation improves consistency, documentation, and efficiency. It is recommended where feasible.
How can we balance sanitation with operational productivity?
Adopting risk-based cleaning frequencies and scheduling cleaning during downtime reduces conflicts between sanitation and productivity.
What should be done if contamination is detected?
Immediately halt production in affected areas, perform root cause analysis, clean thoroughly, retrain staff if needed, and document all actions.
Are there financial benefits to rigorous sanitation?
Yes. Beyond avoiding fines and recalls, improved sanitation reduces waste, extends equipment life, and enhances brand loyalty.
Keywords: food facility sanitation best practices, hygiene standards in food manufacturing, food processing facility sanitation requirements, food safety regulations 2026, cleaning protocols for food processing, sanitary design for food plants, food processing plant compliance guidelines