Air is often an overlooked pathway for microbial contamination in food manufacturing plants. Meeting HACCP and FSSC 22000 requirements — and avoiding costly product recalls — depends heavily on effective air filtration and hygienic zoning.
1. Airborne Microorganisms in Food Plants
- Listeria monocytogenes: cold-tolerant, particularly dangerous for ready-to-eat (RTE) products
- Aspergillus and Penicillium molds: pose aflatoxin risk in bread, cereal, and cheese production
- Salmonella and E. coli: spread via aerosols in meat processing and slaughter areas
- Yeast: causes cross-contamination in fermented products such as beer and wine
2. HACCP / FSSC 22000 Air Quality Requirements
- Hygienic zoning: High Care and High Risk zones require positive pressure and a minimum of F7 or ePM1 ≥ 50% filtration
- Compressed air in contact with food must meet ISO 8573-1 Class 1 (oil and water content) and Class 2 (particle content)
- Periodic microbial testing via Settling Plate Test and Air Sampling methods
3. Zone Classification and Filter Requirements
| Zone | Filter Requirement |
| High Risk (RTE products) | F8/F9 (ePM1 ≥ 70%), positive pressure, ≥20 ACH, optional terminal HEPA H13 |
| High Care | F7 (ePM2.5 ≥ 60%), temperature/humidity control, light positive pressure |
| Care | F5–F6 (ePM10 ≥ 50%), neutral pressure |
| Low Risk | G4 coarse filter, insect and large dust barrier |
4. Filtration in Cold Storage and Freezer Areas
High humidity and repeated defrost cycles create favorable conditions for Listeria growth in cold storage areas. Filters in these zones should carry an ISO 16890 W3/W4 moisture-resistance rating, use galvanized steel or corrosion-resistant plastic frames, and be designed for easy disassembly to support Clean-out-of-Place (COP) procedures.
5. Air Filtech Food Industry Solutions
- G4/M5 pre-filters with galvanized frames
- Pocket Filter F7/F8/F9, resistant to high-humidity conditions
- HEPA H13/H14 Terminal Housing (Green Series) for direct food-contact zones
- Antimicrobial media filters
- Hygienic zoning consulting per HACCP requirements
6. Featured Projects
- Vinamilk Bình Dương Factory — F8 and HEPA H13 filtration for the UHT milk packaging area
- Masan Consumer Factory (Hưng Yên) — High Risk zone filtration for fish sauce and seasoning production
- Kinh Do Factory (Bình Dương) — F7/F8 filtration for RTE confectionery production
Contact Air Filtech: 08 999 44 666 | info@airfiltech.vn
