Condensation is an ongoing, physical environment concern in food production facilities. Condensed water can harbor and transport microbes onto food and food contact surfaces, creating big risks for food contamination. In some cases, condensate can carry Listeria monocytogenes and potentially other pathogens as well. In fact, water drips in the wrong places have been directly linked to food safety recalls.
This is of particular concern in chilled and frozen foods plants, where temperatures and busy production traffic patterns often fluctuate considerably in different areas of the facility, creating changing condensation challenges. As we know, condensation problems can vary seasonally, and along with them, food safety issues.