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AVA Vending Hygiene Focus: Design and Build Requirements.

Achieving exceptional hygiene standards in vending machines begins with their design and construction. Appropriate construction techniques and location selection not only ensure adherence to regulations but also promote consumer safety and protect the integrity of your brand. Utilize this extensive guide to properly design, build, and place vending machines for optimal results.

Legal Compliance Essentials
  1. Design for Cleanliness: Vending machines must be designed and constructed to eliminate angles, recesses, and voids that are hard to clean or could harbor pests.
  2. Compliant Materials: Use materials for food and water contact surfaces that comply with Retained Regulation (EC) 1935/2004 on materials intended for contact with food.
  3. Optimal Placement: Place vending machines in clean, well-lit areas that are free from pests, especially rodents and crawling insects.
  4. Regular Cleaning: Clean food contact surfaces regularly to prevent soil build-up.
  5. Suitable Contact Parts: Ensure that food and water contact parts in vending machines are made from suitable materials that meet safety standards.
Best Practices for Hygiene and Safety

Prior to installation, it is crucial to inspect the proposed site to confirm that it meets certain standards, such as being clean, well-lit, and free from excessive dust, odours, or humidity. Placing machines under open stairs or near toilets should be avoided.

While it is the site owner’s responsibility to clean the area, vending operators should also be aware of any siting constraints that could impede proper cleaning. To prevent ants and other pests from infiltrating the machines, it is recommended to position them away from external doors.

Additionally, a site survey form should be used to check and document site details, including floor evenness, which is essential for properly leveling the machine during installation. Providing access for cleaning underneath the machine or sealing it to the floor with a gasket can help prevent pest entry.

Lastly, when fitting machines into housing, they should be installed in a way that does not create habitats for pests.

In Conclusion

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your vending machines are hygienic, safe, and compliant with the law, thereby safeguarding both your customers and your business. Visit the AVA website to learn more , or take a look at our vending solutions.