When you’re talking about food processing facilities, strict hygiene standards aren’t optional. Contaminated surfaces and mould can lead to failed health code inspections and expensive shutdowns, which is why choosing food-safe, easy-to-clean wall panels is such a worthwhile investment for any food processing facility or commercial kitchen.
Not only will this guide explain the advantages of choosing food-safe panels for these demanding environments, but it will also point out the best options if you want to meet the strictest sanitation requirements.
What Makes a Wall Panel Food-Safe?
Being food-safe isn’t just a marketing term; it means the wall panels actually have specific features and meet the relevant standards required to be suitable for use in food processing environments. Here are some of the key qualities they must possess:
Compliance with Health Standards
In Canada, food-safe wall panels must be accepted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Meeting these standards ensures the panels are sanitary, durable, and have properties that make them resistant to contamination and mould.
For U.S. food prep facilities, FDA Compliance is just as important. To be accepted by the FDA, the panels need to feature an exterior finish that is non-toxic and non-absorbent.
Lasting Moisture and Mould Resistance
Since modern food processing facilities are often environments that are exposed to high levels of humidity and moisture, the wall panels must be able to withstand these conditions.
The best panels are also non-porous, mould-resistant, and capable of maintaining their structural integrity with fluctuating temperatures.
Chemical Resistance
Since commercial kitchens and food preparation facilities must remain sanitary at all times, the panels also need to be capable of withstanding exposure to harsh chemical cleaning agents.
From commercial cleaning agents and acids to high-pressure sprays, the wall panel must be capable of withstanding these challenges to be a true “food-safe” material.
Beyond maintaining its form and durability, the wall panel must not degrade and leach chemicals into the environment when it is cleaned.
Smooth and Sealed Outer Surface
To be truly food-safe, these prefabricated wall panels should also have a seamless outer surface. This prevents food particles and debris from getting trapped in the panel, which could lead to the growth of mould and bacteria.
The best food-safe wall panels also feature interlocking designs, as this minimizes spaces between the panels.
Key Benefits of Using Food-Safe Wall Panels
Beyond being legally required for certain facilities, there are also a whole host of practical advantages to choosing food-safe wall panels, rather than going with traditional materials, like tiles and drywall:
- Easier and faster to clean.
- Built to withstand harsh environments.
- Much easier to install.
- Lower lifetime maintenance costs.
Durable materials and easy cleaning mean fewer repairs, replacements, or inspection failures—saving time and money.
1. Easier and Faster to Clean
Since food-grade wall panels are non-porous by design, they’re incredibly easy to wipe down and clean with basic sanitizing agents. The most durable models are also pressure-washer friendly, making cleanup even easier.
2. Built to Withstand Harsh Environments
Unlike traditional food-prep wall materials, such as drywall, glass, or tile, wall panels are designed to withstand demanding environments. This means they won’t crack, degrade, or absorb moisture.
Not only do they last longer, but they also require far less maintenance. Plus, the best food-safe wall panels are insect and rodent resistant, ensuring your facility does not have to deal with unwanted pests.
3. Much Easier to Install
Since they’re prefabricated, they are much easier to work with and replace than traditional building materials.
The best options also feature tongue-and-groove or snap-in designs, making it even easier and cheaper to install them.
4. Lower Cost
Since they’re easier to install, you save money on labour costs. Plus, the panels can be installed faster, which means less downtime for your food prep facility.
On top of that, they’re incredibly durable, so they tend to require fewer repairs over their lifespan.
The Best Food-Safe Wall Panel Options
There are plenty of different types of wall panels out there, but wall panels are not built the same, even if they have “food-safe” marketing attached to them.
Structural Panels Inc. offers two high-quality wall panels that were designed to meet the highest standards for food prep, kitchen, and agricultural environments.
QUICKLINER Clean PVC Wall Panels
- CFIA-accepted and FDA-compliant
- Made from food-grade PVC
- Resistant to mould, mildew, and chemicals
- Easy wipe-down outer surface
- Tongue-and-groove joints for fast installation
ISOWALL Insulated Wall Panels
- High-R-value EPS core for temperature-controlled food facilities
- CFIA acceptance for sanitary room environments
- Easy to clean and do not support mould growth
- Easy to install and can be custom cut to any length
Food-Grade Panels That Work for You
Food-safe wall panels not only help you meet health code requirements, but they can also help you avoid costly repairs and shutdowns. Just make sure you choose high-quality panels that were built to last.
For trusted performance, choose QUICKLINER and ISOWALL Wall Panels from Structural Panels Inc. We’d love to hear about your requirements: