90% Cleaning, 10% Paperwork: Brewery Hygiene and Biofilms [with independent hygiene consultant Paul Browning]

The old adage goes that brewing is 90% cleaning, 10% paperwork. Like all sayings, there's an element of truth hidden within. Brewer's spend vast amounts of time cleaning vessels, packaging lines, containers and just about anything that comes into contact with wort and beer. And with good reason. Lurking between those heat exchanger plates, elbows, valves, and just about anywhere that's everywhere, is a world of microbiology - wild yeasts - all hungry for a sugary feast to multiply and rock their world. But it doesn't stop there. Within your brewhouse are biofilms: a thin but robust layer of mucilage clinging to a solid surface containing a community of beer spoilage microorganisms. In this episode of the Hop Forward Podcast, we were invited to sit down with Paul Browning - an independent hygiene consultant to NichesolutionsGB, amongst other food and beverage companies - to chat about why brewery hygiene is essential to your beer business. This episode contains some deep cuts into the world of microbiology, so make sure you grab a pen and paper, and take notes! --- Today’s episode has been brought to you by NichesolutionsGB For all of your brewery cleaning and biofilm queries, contact NicheSolutionsGB where Paul Browning is a consultant. NichesolutionsGB can advise you on the use of all their cleaning products, can organise site visits and staff training days. Enzybrew 10 is an effective way to combat biofilms, used occasionally as part of your regular cleaning regime. Make sure you visit their website nichesolutionsgb.co.uk to find out more and connect with the team at this year's SIBA Beer X at Liverpool Exhibition Centre on Stand 99. --- Follow us on social media hopforward.beer to find out how we can get you ahead in the brewing and beer business through branding, marketing, and business development.