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For organisations working within the food, beverage and pharmaceutical sectors, hygiene isn’t optional – it’s a legal requirement. HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) provides a systematic approach to food safety, ensuring that potential hazards are identified, monitored and controlled. One often overlooked but crucial component in maintaining compliance is the handling equipment in daily use. Bale arm trays, with their smart, sanitary design, offer a simple yet effective way to support your HACCP efforts.

What is HACCP?

For any business involved in the handling of food, it is a requirement to have a plan based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles. This is so that food can be kept safe from biological, chemical, and physical food safety hazards. To create a HACCP plan, the government mandates food handlers to:

• Identify any hazards
• Identify the critical control points (CCPs) – the points in the work process where hazards need to be prevented, removed or reduced
• Set limits for CCPs
• Monitor the CCPs
• Correct problems if there are issues with CCPs
• Put checks in place to ensure the plan works
• Keep records

Bale-arm trays are able to help remedy hazards that could arise at CCPs and are thus a great way to ensure that food handlers are meeting HACCP compliance.

Designed for Hygiene.

The foundation of any hygienic container begins with the materials used. Bale arm trays manufactured from food-grade polymers or stainless steel are non-reactive and easy to clean, making them ideal for environments with strict hygiene standards. These materials resist corrosion, absorb less moisture, and can withstand exposure to cleaning agents, helping to reduce microbial growth and the risk of contamination. Further, bale arm trays are built with smooth interiors, rounded corners and seamless finishes. These features make cleaning much easier and more effective. Without grooves or crevices to trap debris, wash-down times are reduced, and thorough sanitation becomes more achievable – even during the busiest production runs.

Simple Disassembly for Thorough Cleaning.

Cleaning equipment properly is only possible if you can access every surface. Bale arms that fold away or can be quickly removed without tools make disassembly fast and easy. Staff can open up the tray fully to clean inside every edge and surface, helping you meet hygiene standards and avoid build-up that could lead to contamination issues.

And whilst thorough cleaning will be a priority, bale-arm trays are also designed to keep moisture and bacteria at bay. This helps to mitigate one of the most common threats to hygiene in food-handling environments – standing water. Bale arm trays often feature slotted or perforated bases that allow liquids to drain away during washing and use. Good airflow and quick drying reduce the chance of bacterial growth, which is especially important when trays are stacked or stored between uses.

Supporting Traceability and Zone Control.

A robust HACCP strategy isn’t just about cleanliness – it’s also about control. Bale arm trays can be marked with permanent serial numbers or barcodes, making them easy to track. Many businesses also use colour-coded trays to separate allergens or product types, ensuring that cross-contamination risks are managed effectively. This kind of traceability can be invaluable during audits or in the event of a recall.

Compatibility with Cleaning Systems.

Bale arm trays are designed to integrate seamlessly into your existing sanitation routines. Whether your facility uses clean-in-place (CIP) systems, high-pressure washers or manual scrubbing, these trays can handle the demands. The use of chemical-resistant materials ensures that regular exposure to disinfectants and hot water doesn’t degrade the tray, maintaining hygiene standards over time.

Ergonomic Design for Safer Handling.

Hygiene and health go hand in hand. Bale arm trays that are well balanced and easy to lift reduce strain on workers, encouraging correct handling and reducing the risk of accidents. Trays that are difficult to manage are more likely to be dropped or mishandled—creating potential contamination events as well as injury risks.

Maintaining Compliance with Bale Arm Trays.

Maintaining HACCP compliance requires more than a checklist—it needs the right tools. Bale arm trays, with their hygienic construction, practical design and traceability features, support your compliance efforts at every stage. From food processing and packaging to distribution and retail, these trays offer peace of mind for businesses and consumers alike. By investing in equipment that’s designed for hygiene and efficiency, you’re reinforcing your commitment to quality and safety.

Contact Reco Handling today to see how we can help to revolutionise your storage and efficiency!

Unit 1a & 1b Hammond Avenue,
Whitehill Industrial Estate,
Stockport,
SK4 1PQ
0161 429 7536
sales@reco-group.com