Lighting in the food industry must meet strict hygiene requirements, as defined by international standards such as HACCP, IFS Food, and BRC. These requirements focus on water resistance, shatter resistance, cleanability, and appropriate light intensity. Those purchasing lighting for a food production facility must consider regulations, food safety audits, and the practical demands of intensive cleaning routines. This article answers the most frequently asked questions about food-safe lighting.
What standards and certifications are mandatory for lighting fixtures in the food industry?
Not every lighting fixture is suitable for a food production facility. Lighting fixtures must demonstrably comply with HACCP requirements, and in many cases also with the retail standards IFS Food and BRC Global Standards. These standards stipulate that lighting must not pose a risk to food safety – meaning that fixtures must be shatterproof, easy to clean, and resistant to the environmental conditions in production areas.
In practice, auditors and clients are increasingly requesting demonstrable certification. The most relevant certifications and standards for LED lighting in the food industry are:
- HACCP Compliance Lighting must not pose a physical contaminant and must support risk management.
- IFS Food and BRC: retail standards that specify requirements for the layout of production facilities, including lighting
- IP protection class minimum IP rating depending on the zone within the facility
- IK impact resistance Protection against mechanical shock, relevant for production environments
- CE Marking required for all electrical equipment on the European market
In addition to these standards, internal quality systems of food companies also play a role. Many manufacturers use their own specifications that go beyond the minimum legal requirements. It is therefore wise to always request the technical documentation of the fixture when purchasing and to check it against the applicable standards within the facility.
What does IP rating mean for lighting in food environments?
The IP (Ingress Protection) rating indicates the degree to which a fixture is protected against the ingress of dust and water. In food environments, a high IP rating is essential, as fixtures are regularly exposed to steam, cleaning water, and humid air. The minimum requirement in production areas is typically IP65, but in areas with high-pressure sprayers, IP66 or IP69K applies.
The two digits in the IP code represent different levels of protection. The first digit (0-6) indicates protection against solids, and the second (0-9) indicates protection against water. IP69K is the highest degree of protection against water ingress and is specifically designed for environments where cleaning with hot water at high pressure is performed. This makes IP69K the standard for slaughterhouses, dairies, and other wet production environments.
More explanation about the difference between IP and IK ratings and what they mean for your choice can be found on the page about IP and IK ratings.
Why do light fixtures in the food industry need to be shatterproof?
A broken lamp above a production line is more than a technical problem — it's a direct threat to food safety. Within HACCP legislation, therefore, any physical risk of contamination must be eliminated or controlled. Fixtures without shatter protection are thus simply not permitted in zones where open products are present.
Edge protection is realized in different ways:
- Coated lamps and diffusers: A transparent coating holds together shards if the lamp breaks, so that no loose fragments can fall.
- Polycarbonate housing Fixtures with a robust polycarbonate cover are virtually unbreakable and therefore form a structural solution
- Closed construction: A fully enclosed fixture with no loose parts or openings prevents fragments from escaping.
- IK-certified impact resistance A high IK rating (IK08 or higher) confirms that the fixture is resistant to mechanical impacts.
In practice, many food companies opt for LED fixtures with a polycarbonate diffuser and IK10 certification. This is the highest impact resistance class and offers the best protection in environments where machines, conveyor belts, or vehicles operate near lighting.
What color temperature and illuminance are required in food facilities?
For accurate color rendering and early detection of product defects, the correct light color is essential. A color temperature of 4000K to 6500K — cool white to daylight — is most common in food facilities. Illuminance varies by zone: inspection rooms typically require a minimum of 500 lux, while general production areas can suffice with 300 lux.
The Color Rendering Index (CRI or Ra) is at least as important as color temperature. A CRI of 80 or higher is the minimum requirement for production environments, but for quality control and visual inspection of products, a CRI of 90 or higher is strongly recommended. A high CRI makes discolorations, damage, or contamination of products easier to spot.
Read more background on the meaning of light color and Kelvin values for industrial applications on the page light color and Kelvin.
How do cleaning and disinfection procedures influence the choice of lighting fixtures?
Intensive cleaning and disinfection procedures place high demands on the chemical resistance and waterproofness of lighting fixtures. High-pressure sprayers, aggressive cleaning agents, and steam cleaning can damage fixtures if they are not specifically designed for such conditions. Therefore, the choice of the right fixture begins with the cleaning protocols used in the facility.
When selecting fixtures for food production environments, the following factors are decisive:
- IP69K Rating Required when using high-pressure hot water sprayers
- Chemical resistance: The housing and seals must be resistant to disinfectants based on chlorine, peracetic acid, or lye.
- Smooth surfaces: fittings without seams, screws, or protruding parts are easier to clean and offer less space for bacteria to grow
- Stainless steel mounting points Corrosion-resistant fasteners prevent rust formation, which itself is a contamination risk.
- Thermal resistance Steam cleaning can temporarily cause high temperatures; fixtures must be resistant to this.
For environments with extreme corrosion or aggressive chemical exposure, specialized lighting for extreme corrosion A suitable solution.
What are the consequences of non-compliant lighting during a food safety audit?
Non-compliant lighting during a food safety audit can lead to non-conformity points, temporary production stops, or even revocation of certification. Auditors of IFS, BRC, or FSSC 22000 assess lighting as part of physical risk management. Luminaires without shatter protection, with too low an IP rating, or with visible damage are immediately registered as non-conformities.
The severity of the finding depends on the location and risk. Lighting above open products or in direct food contact zones is assessed more strictly than lighting in storage areas or canteens. A critical non-conformity can lead to the audit not being approved, which has direct commercial consequences for suppliers who must be certified to supply retail chains.
Proactive action is the only sensible approach. Maintain an up-to-date register of all lighting fixtures, including their IP rating, shatter-resistance class, and replacement history. This register is a standard component of an HACCP file and is always requested during audits. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of damaged fixtures are therefore not only a technical requirement but also a commercial interest.
Practical example: High-Temperature Industry – Rockwool
A striking example of how environmental requirements determine lighting choices is the project at Rockwool – a manufacturer of mineral wool that works with melting temperatures exceeding 1400°C. The technical challenge was significant: standard fixtures quickly fail due to the combination of radiant heat, dust, and mechanical vibrations that are constantly present in such industrial environments.
For this project, fixtures were selected that are resistant to prolonged exposure to high ambient temperatures without degrading the LED components or deforming the housing. The construction had to be fully enclosed to prevent dust ingress—a requirement very similar to what the food industry demands for cleanability and the prevention of contamination. Mounting points and suspension structures were made from heat-resistant material to avoid corrosion and mechanical failure.
The learned lesson that is directly applicable to food environments: a sealed, chemically and thermally resistant construction is not only a safety requirement but also a maintenance advantage. Fixtures that degrade less quickly under extreme conditions extend replacement intervals and reduce the chance of unexpected downtime during production. More examples of similar projects can be found at projects page.
How JEL Products Helps Ensure Food-Safe Lighting
JEL Products provides lighting solutions for industrial environments where standard fixtures fall short. For the food industry, this means fixtures designed for intensive cleaning routines, high IP ratings, and shatter-resistant construction—with support throughout the entire process, from consultation to delivery.
What JEL Products offers food production facilities:
- Luminaires with IP65 to IP69K protection, suitable for high-pressure washing and steam cleaning
- Vandal-resistant constructions with polycarbonate diffusers and high IK certification
- Chemically resistant housings for environments with aggressive cleaning agents
- Tailored advice on color temperature, illuminance, and zoning within the facility
- Assistance in compiling an HACCP-compliant lighting register
Would you like to know which fixtures fit your production environment and meet the requirements of your next audit? Get in touch Contact JEL Products for a no-obligation consultation.