Ehancing food-safety and plant-security efforts are primary goals of many processors today. The industry wants its products secure and safe. But processors don’t have to outfit their employees in heavy, cumbersome, unbreathable garments to ensure safety. They simply need to turn to the innovations of suppliers who make it their job to keep products and employees safe and comfortable.

For functionality, Armani suits have nothing on these outfits and accessories, as they ensure that employees and the products they handle remain safe and secure day-in and day-out. What follows is a sample of just a few of the latest and greatest offerings apparel suppliers have in their individual “catalogs” that meat and poultry processors should try on for size. By no means is this list all-inclusive, and processors should contact these suppliers (listed alphabetically) to find out more about their entire apparel line.

Cintas
Cintas offers an array of color and sizes of garments for the meat industry and beyond. Colors quickly identify employees working in different departments to help safeguard against cross-contamination. Cintas, endorsed by several industry trade organizations, provides the only validated microbe-reducing laundry process that effectively eliminates bacteria. For more information, please call 1-800-CINTAS1.

Features and benefits: Originally developed for Wilson & Co. in 1958, the DI-3 jacket is designed to keep employees warm underneath Dickson frocks. It is manufactured in Des Moines, Iowa, and its specifications have not changed since its inception. The DI-3 features a 6.6-ounce polyester fill, with 200 denier nylon outer shell and 70 denier nylon inner shell, as well as a diamond quilted pattern. The nylon knit collar and cuffs seal in warmth at the neck and wrists, and the two front slash pockets and extra-tough stitching mean the DI-3 can handle years of wear.

Key features: Gripper front, 100% spun polyester, interior left chest pocket, 2 interior lower pockets, side vent openings

Benefits/results: Mitigates the risk of physical contamination. G&K’s ProSura: a proprietary closed-loop system — pickup through delivery — mitigating the risk of cross-contamination, includes customized wash formulas, testing, documentation.

Sizes: 22” x 22”, 22” x 30”, 22” x 34”, 22” x 40”, 25” x 34”, 25” x 40”, 25” x 34” (split leg design), 25” x 40” (split leg design). Available in 4.2 mm ring diameter (.55mm wire gauge) or 7.0 mm ring diameter (.70mm wire gauge).

Key features: 100% stainless steel construction. Niroflex2000 aprons are assembled by weaving the joining ring around (over and under) at least four adjacent rings in exactly the same way as the basic mesh material is interlocked.

Benefits/results: As a result, the seams on Niroflex2000 aprons are as strong, safe and secure as any other part of the apron and the maximum gap is less than 3.1mm.

Omni Apparel manufactures Butcher Frocks, Lab coats, and Wrap-around Smocks. All of our garments are 100% USA-made in Carrollton, Ga., with USA-made fabrics. Have you ever had to wait weeks and weeks for your orders? We offer fast service. Our turnaround time for in-stock garments is 24 hours. All custom garments are guaranteed to ship within 10 working days or less.  We produce a variety of sizes from XS-6X. We accept Visa and MasterCard, net 30 terms with approved credit, or COD. Omni Apparel provides fast and dependable service through an attentive and knowledgeable customer-service department. We are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m-5 p.m. EST, to answer any questions you may have. Our company is small enough to give personal attention yet large enough to accommodate an order of any size. We also have an in-house Embroidery Department offering corporate and casual apparel, customized embroidery and on-site digitizing.

Key features: Thumbloop or Elastic-cuff, lighter weight than vinyl but more durable, environmentally friendly, USA-made

Benefits/results: Cost-effectiveness, more cleanable for reuse, reduced donning and doffing time compared to sleeves and aprons.

Key features: The five distinct colors of UniFirst Food Processing Smocks help identify workers and the specific departments to which they belong. They are made of 100 percent spun polyester, providing exceptional fabric strength, wear and comfort. The smocks feature a snap closure and no outside pockets or buttons, and are available with or without elastic cuffs. There is one inside pocket, located below the waist.

Benefits/results: Helps prevent cross-contamination threats that could be introduced by workers without authorization to be in specific food-processing areas.

These gloves combine high performance fibers and stainless steel, which creates a high level of tensile strength, giving the gloves excellent durability and abrasion resistance. The Defender Series are available in three different gauges: 7 (pictured), 10, and 13, making this product a great choice for job applications requiring protection from abrasions and cuts. These gloves are preshrunk and machine washable, enhancing the glove’s reusability. This extended wear life makes the Defender Series ideal for both the meat and poultry industries. They are available in sizes XS, S, M, L, XL with a standard or extended cuff, are ambidextrous and sold by the piece.