LED Food Industry Lighting

In order to run a succesful business in the food and beverage industry it's critical to have the proper lighting. This not only refers to the quality of light, but also to the ability to clean the fixture and for safety. For a light fixture to be able to be used in these situations, they must meet specific standards. Operationally, food industry lighting is one of the tools organizations can use strategically to build efficiency in their facilities, and increase the safety of both team members and customers. 

Companies in the food and beverage industry are expected to meet a high cleanliness and worker safety standard, both of which can be improved with appropriate lighting. At the most basic level, adequate lighting ensures everyone can see surfaces clearly, which means anyone tasked with cleaning can ensure they get everything. Also, shards from broken or shattered bulbs can end up in food products, which means a definite recall. Food safe lights also do not have visible screws or other components that could end up in your product. Food industry lighting must be able to handle rigorous washdown processes to prevent mold and bacteria. Proper lighting also contributes to a safer work environment, reducing the risk of accidents. 

The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) International is an independent product testing organization with established guidelines specific to the industry and the purpose of each product. It also ensures that each product’s claims and labels are accurate. The NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) certification decides if a light fixture is suitable for different parts of food and beverage operations. 

For a product to be considered 'NSF-Certified' it must meet the following requirements:

• Be easy to clean and wash to reduce contamination risks 
• Have at least an IP65 rating 
• Be made of shatterproof material, such as polycarbonate lenses or aluminum housing
• Is built with anti-corrosive materials, like a stainless steel 

NSF International has three different certification zones related to the food and beverage industry: 

*Additionally, another certification a product may hold is ETL NSF Std. 2, which is a separate standard that lighting companies can get through ETL. If a product has this certification, it means that the fixture has been certified by ETL that it meets all the requirements of NSF Standard 2, which is Food Equipment Standards.

Locations that should utilized NSF-Certified light fixtures include, but are not limited to:

• Food processing facilities 
• Industrial and commercial kitchens
• Cold storage and refrigeration units
• Food packaging plants 

Much of the work in the food industry is conducted in harsh environments. Cooler temperatures are often part of that, whether it’s storage, coolers and refrigerators, or meat processing plants. There are lights specifically manufactured to withstand these cool temperatures, which means more efficient operations and more reliable light sources. 

IP ratings

You must ensure that the NSF fixture you're installing has the proper IP rating. Fixtures being installed in a food and beverage processing plant or industrial kitchens should have at least an IP65 rating. The 6 means it is dust tight (allowing no ingress of dust) and the 5 means it is protected against low pressure jets from all directions. However, we carry products up to an IP69K rating, with the 9K meaning it is protected against close-range high pressure, high temperature spray downs.

Our line of NSF Certified LED Food Processing Lights have been tested and are proven to be reliable, long-lasting, and safe to install in various food preparation and processing facilities. 

When selecting outdoor lighting for food industry facilities, LEDs are a top choice. LEDs emit longer wavelengths of a red or orange light that aren't visible to bugs and other wildlife, and they release little to no UV rays and significantly less heat than incandescent, halogen, HID, and fluorescent bulbs, making them less likely to attract bugs. If possible, consider installing your outdoor LED lighting a bit further away from doors, cracks, gaps, and other openings while still properly illuminating the building. These parts of your building are prime spots for infiltration, so keeping any light in close proximity to them can increase your risk. 

For additional information on the recommended light level you need for your business, check out this blog from our affiliate, ICL. Implementing LED light sources ensures you have a product that lasts longer, required less replacements, and has a greater energy efficiency, reducing expenses. Shop our vast product line of dependable LEDs today! For help picking out the right product for you or any questions, call our product support specialists and customer support advocates at 866-590-3533.