FRP Panels - USDA approvals and Feder...

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Author Message David J. Wyatt, CDT Senior Member Username: david_j_wyatt_cdt Post Number: 185 Registered: 03-2011 Posted on Monday, May 22, 2017 - 10:08 am:    Several manufacturers of FRP panels claim "USDA approval." My question is, approval for what? None of the manufacturers representatives I have spoken with are able to answer the question. I am loath to retain an incomplete reference merely becasue it is there. Also, several guide specifications list a few Federal Specifications. Can anyone give some perspective on their relevance? Thank you. Michael Chusid, RA FCSI CCS Senior Member Username: michael_chusid Post Number: 282 Registered: 10-2003 Posted on Monday, May 22, 2017 - 11:28 am:    USDA does NOT approve products. They do publish standards for the cleanability of surfaces used in food processing and preparation areas. The manufacturers would be closer to the mark if they said something like "Complies with USDA Food Code section 6-201.11 Floors, Walls, and Ceilings." it states: "Except as specified under § 6-201.14, the floors, floor coverings, walls, wall coverings, and ceilings shall be designed, constructed, and installed so they are smooth and easily cleanable..." This is a vague standard, so it comes down to what a heath department inspector will accept. For more info, see my article on Hygienic Ceilings, https://www.constructionspecifier.com/hygienic-ceilings-keeping-it-clean-overhead/ and https://www.constructionspecifier.com/more-hygienic-ceilings/ Michael Chusid, RA FCSI CCS www.chusid.com www.buildingproduct.guru 818-219-4937 David J. Wyatt, CDT Senior Member Username: david_j_wyatt_cdt Post Number: 186 Registered: 03-2011 Posted on Monday, May 22, 2017 - 01:43 pm:    Thank you, Michael. Good advice well -taken. J. Peter Jordan Senior Member Username: jpjordan Post Number: 963 Registered: 05-2004 Posted on Monday, May 22, 2017 - 05:24 pm:    Health departments can vary considerably from jurisdiction to jurisdiction in terms of what they do or do not accept. They even vary in terms of what they consider a commercial kitchen. Floor, wall, and ceiling finishes that may be acceptable in one jurisdiction may not be acceptable in another. Always good to check when working with someone new. J. Peter Jordan, FCSI, AIA, CCS, LEED AP, SCIP