Can Conveyor Systems Improve Allergen Control in Food Manufacturing?

Food manufacturers work with a wide range of ingredients daily, often including common allergens like nuts, dairy, soy, and wheat. When different products share the same production line, even small traces of these ingredients can cause serious problems.

For companies that produce both allergen- and non-allergen-containing foods, keeping them apart is a requirement. The equipment used on the line plays a big role in how well this separation is maintained. The right equipment, like an accumulation conveyor, can support allergen control by minimizing manual handling and improving sanitary separation.

The Risks of Allergen Cross-Contamination

Cross-contact happens when allergen-containing products come into contact with non-allergen foods. In production environments, this can occur through shared surfaces, airborne particles, or equipment that has not been properly cleaned. Even small traces of an allergen can cause serious health issues for those with allergies.

If cross-contact happens, the results can include product recalls, damaged brand trust, and legal consequences. Many manufacturers turn to dedicated lines, staff training, and careful handling practices throughout the facility to lower the risk.

How Spantech Conveyors Support Allergen-Sensitive Production

Spantech conveyors are designed for clean handling. They use an enclosed chain that reduces flat surfaces where materials can collect. Fewer open areas make it easier for teams to clean equipment thoroughly between batches.

CONOVEY also builds add-ons like lane dividers, controlled product transfers, and merging modules in-house. These features support product handling for food operations that must separate allergen and non-allergen items without relying heavily on manual operations.

Designing Transfer Conveyors for Allergen-Specific Handling

A transfer conveyor moves products from one part of the line to another. Every transfer point needs to be considered carefully in facilities that handle allergens. Equipment used in these areas should be easy to clean and designed with simple access points to help reduce buildup.

Other important design elements may include:

• Separate conveyors for different ingredients.
• Drainage or quick-rinse features for washdown areas.
• Removable guides or belts that simplify cleaning.
• Simple layouts to reduce product contact with unnecessary surfaces.

Reducing Contact in Accumulation Areas

An accumulation conveyor is often used to hold products during packaging or inspection. However, if not properly managed, this accumulation can lead to items coming into direct contact, increasing the risk of cross-contact—especially in allergen-sensitive environments.

Using accumulation equipment that allows for spacing between products, with controlled release points, can help maintain product separation. Spantech’s modular design options support systems where items stay in their own space, reducing cross-contact risk.

Meeting Food Safety Requirements with the Right Equipment

Food manufacturers must adhere to strict regulations around allergen control. Using equipment to support these standards helps maintain compliance during inspections, audits, and day-to-day operations.

CONOVEY supplies material handling conveyor solutions built for this kind of work. Each system is built with sanitation, accessibility, and layout flexibility in mind. For facilities handling a variety of ingredients, dependable, well-designed equipment plays a key role in supporting consistent food safety practices.

Reliable, Allergen-Safe Conveyor Solutions

CONOVEY works with manufacturers across North America to provide equipment that supports allergen control in food production. Our team offers clear 3D design files, fast quoting, and parts availability when needed. Whether it’s an accumulation conveyor, a transfer conveyor, or a full setup using Spantech conveyors, we help food producers handle products carefully and responsibly.

Contact CONOVEY today to get reliable material handling conveyor solutions for allergen control in your plant.