Workwear for the food industry: complying with BRC and IFS standards

What should clothing for the food industry be like and how should it be washed?

In the food industry, hygiene begins with workwear. Standards such as BRC, IFS, and Regulation (EC) 852/2004 require that washing be carried out in a controlled manner using certified industrial laundries or validated internal systems. Workwear must be specifically designed for agri-food environments: without external pockets or visible buttons, made with fabrics resistant to industrial washing, in light colors to easily detect dirt, and for exclusive use within the facilities. In many cases, color codes are used for different work areas to improve traceability and reduce risks. Washing must follow strict protocols according to the UNE-EN 14065 standard: classification by level of soiling, programs at temperatures ≥60 °C, use of certified disinfectants, and complete traceability of each garment. Furthermore, facilities must guarantee the separation between dirty and clean areas to prevent cross-contamination. After washing, clothing must be transported in protective packaging, stored in hygienic lockers, and always kept separate from soiled laundry. These lockers must be easy to clean, without corners, and preferably with separate compartments. Meeting these requirements means controlling the entire workwear cycle. Therefore, many companies opt for external rental and industrial laundry services, which guarantee regulatory compliance, optimize costs, and ensure hygienic and traceable management. At Rentech, we help implement systems tailored to each industry, ensuring safety, compliance, and efficiency in workwear management.