UV Flashlights for Food Safety Officers

Food safety officers should constantly inspect food production and storage areas for evidence of bacterial contamination. Human eyes detect visual light, a narrow range of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum. The visual light wavelengths are between 400 nanometers (nm) to 700 nm.

Human sight can be enhanced with ultraviolet light (UV) illumination. UV electromagnetic radiation has a wavelength from 10 nm to 400 nm.

UV light can be helpful in scrutinizing: Unsanitized bacterial organisms on food contact surfaces; unclean restrooms; defective and cracked glass surfaces; undesirable fluid leaks; unwanted human & animal bodily fluids like blood and urine; invading insects such as scorpions; unclean viruses; harmful bacteria; unsanitary operational equipment and areas.

UV light can also be used to check the of quality of hand washing practices. In combination with detection chemicals, employees can learn appropriate hand washing techniques which can help prevent cross contamination of food products.

Warning: Do not flash UV light into unprotected human eyes.