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[May 2002]
Tile Association Fights Back on Hygiene Issue
The Tile Association says in a recent statement that although ceramic tiles have been used for decades for walls and floors in food preparation and manufacturing facilities, manufacturers of competing materials have attempted to imply that ceramic tiling does not conform to the requirements of current hygiene legislation.The association says that, on the contrary, independent test laboratories such as the Campden and Chorleywood Food Research Association have shown that ceramic tiling conforms to all the relevant legislation, such as The Food Safety (General Food Hygiene) Regulations, 1995. They say "properly grouted tile surfaces are as cleanable as continuous resin surfaces". Joints grouted in epoxy grout have been shown to have superior bacterial cleanability to vinyl sheet, seamless resin surfaces and even stainless steel.
In addition, says the association, grouts are now available which contain anti-bacterial additives. Combined with an effective cleaning regime, these grouts will not only inhibit bacterial and mould growth in the first place but will kill any small amounts of microbes which may develop.
ENDS