Conveyor Belts – Technical Q&A (HACCP)

Q. “What is HACCP, and how are conveyor belts related to it?”

A. HACCP is a systematic approach to identifying potential hazards in food manufacturing processes—biological, chemical, and physical—and controlling them through Critical Control Points (CCPs). Because conveyor belts come into direct or indirect contact with food, they can themselves become a potential source of contamination. For this reason, within HACCP, conveyor belts play an important role as part of the “Prerequisite Programs (PRPs).”

Q. “What design philosophy is behind Forbo’s HACCP-compliant belts?”

A. They are designed based on the principles of “not generating contamination,” “not retaining soil,” and “being reliably reset through cleaning.” Rather than merely meeting food contact regulations, the focus is on reducing hygienic risks throughout daily operation, cleaning routines, and long-term use.

Q. “Why is surface structure important for HACCP compliance?”

A. Surface textures and patterns can easily trap food residues, moisture, and microorganisms. Forbo’s HACCP-compliant belts feature surface designs optimized for smoothness according to the application, reducing the risk of residues remaining after cleaning.

Q. “Why is the ingress of water or oil into the belt carcass a problem?”

A. When water or oil penetrates into the belt carcass, it can lead to:

・microbial growth
・odors and discoloration
・reduced belt strength To prevent these risks structurally, Forbo applies edge sealing technologies (such as Smartseal).

Q. “What material requirements are necessary for HACCP-compliant belts?”

A. The following conditions are essential:

・Food contact safety (non-toxic materials)
・Resistance to cleaning agents and fats/oils
・Dimensional and material stability during high-temperature cleaning

Forbo’s HACCP-compliant belts use materials that comply with FDA and EU regulations.

Q. “Are these belts suitable for processes with frequent cleaning?”

A. Yes. They are designed with frequent cleaning in mind. With excellent resistance to water, oils, and chemicals, they maintain performance even under repeated cleaning cycles.

Q. “How resistant are the belts to high-temperature cleaning (hot water or steam)?”

A. This depends on the product type, but belts designed for high-temperature cleaning applications are available. They minimize the risk of hardening, softening, or delamination caused by temperature fluctuations, enabling stable operation.

Q. “Are antibacterial belts effective as part of HACCP measures?”

A. Antibacterial properties are effective as a “supplementary safety measure.” At Forbo, priority is given to cleanability and structural hygiene, with antibacterial options provided when required.

Q. “How is belt color considered as a foreign body contamination measure?”

A. Highly visible colors such as blue make it easier to detect foreign materials if contamination occurs, making them effective for HACCP compliance. Forbo offers a color range designed to enhance foreign body detectability.

Q. “Do HACCP-compliant belts affect metal detectors or X-ray inspection systems?”

A. Certain HACCP-compliant belts are designed with compatibility with inspection systems in mind. They are engineered to avoid negatively impacting inspection sensitivity or stability.

Q. “How does the service life of HACCP-compliant belts compare to standard belts?”

A. Because they are designed to withstand cleaning loads and operating environments, they often result in a longer service life. This helps reduce replacement frequency caused by premature deterioration.

Q. “Do suitable belts differ depending on the food processing stage?”

A. Yes. Requirements vary between raw material handling, processing, post-heating, and pre-/post-packaging stages. Forbo enables the selection of optimal HACCP-compliant belts tailored to each process stage.

Q. “Can plastic modular belts also be HACCP compliant?”

A. Yes. Siegling Prolink includes HACCP-compliant types designed specifically for the food industry. They offer excellent cleanability, drainage, and durability, making them particularly effective in wet environments.

Q. “How do these belts support HACCP audits and third-party inspections?”

A. With clearly defined material compliance, structure, and cleanability, they are easy to explain and justify during audits. This “ease of management” as equipment is a major advantage in HACCP operations.

Q. “What value do Forbo’s HACCP-compliant belts bring to food factories?”

A. They function not merely as components, but as a form of “hygienic infrastructure” that supports food safety, quality, and stable operation. They provide a solid foundation for food manufacturing systems based on HACCP principles.