This policy outlines the hygiene practices required at Philstar Farms Limited to ensure the health and welfare of animals, the safety of farm workers, and the production of safe, high-quality food products. Maintaining strict hygiene is essential for biosecurity, disease prevention, and compliance with regulatory standards.
This policy applies to all farm areas, including livestock pens, food processing zones, storage facilities, staff quarters, and vehicles, and to all employees, contractors, and visitors to the farm.
Prevent the spread of disease among animals and staff
Ensure food products are safe for human consumption
Comply with food safety, veterinary, and public health regulations
Maintain a clean and orderly farm environment
Promote a culture of cleanliness, responsibility, and accountability
All staff must wash hands thoroughly with soap and water:
Before and after handling animals or feed
After using the toilet
Before entering food processing areas
Protective clothing (overalls, gloves, boots, hairnets) must be worn in designated areas.
Footbaths and hand-sanitizing stations must be used at all entry/exit points of animal and food handling zones.
No jewelry, perfumes, or open wounds allowed in animal or food zones.
Smoking, eating, or drinking is prohibited in work areas.
Visitors must sign in, receive hygiene orientation, and use PPE before entry.
Livestock pens, cages, and shelters must be:
Cleaned and disinfected regularly (minimum weekly or as needed)
Dry, well-ventilated, and free of excessive manure and urine
Bedding must be changed regularly to prevent odor and disease buildup.
Dead animals must be removed immediately and disposed of following biosecurity protocols.
Feed should be stored off the ground in clean, sealed containers to prevent contamination by pests or moisture.
Water troughs and drinkers must be cleaned and checked daily.
Spoiled or moldy feed must never be used.
All tools, machinery, and equipment must be cleaned after each use and sanitized regularly.
Equipment used in animal handling must not be shared between sick and healthy animals unless disinfected.
Separate tools for different zones (e.g., piggery, poultry, processing) to avoid cross-contamination.
Processing areas must be cleaned and sanitized daily before and after use.
Staff must wear full protective gear, including gloves and hairnets.
Raw and cooked products must be kept separate at all times.
All surfaces must be made of non-porous, easy-to-clean materials.
Waste must be removed immediately and disposed of hygienically.
Manure must be collected regularly and stored in covered compost pits or biogas systems.
Wastewater must not be discharged into water bodies; treatment or recycling is required.
General waste must be sorted and disposed of according to environmental and safety standards.
Sharps and medical waste must be disposed of in approved containers.
Regular pest control (rats, flies, ticks, mosquitoes) must be carried out.
Feed storage and animal housing must be sealed to prevent pest entry.
Maintain vaccination schedules and biosecurity measures to prevent disease outbreaks.
Quarantine procedures must be followed for new or sick animals.
All staff must receive hygiene and biosecurity training during onboarding and periodic refreshers.
Posters and signs on hygiene protocols must be displayed in strategic areas.
Hygiene performance is part of routine staff evaluations.
Hygiene checks must be conducted daily by supervisors.
Weekly and monthly inspections are documented and reviewed by management.
Non-compliance may result in disciplinary action or retraining.
External audits (regulatory or certification) are supported and welcomed.
In case of suspected contamination or disease outbreak:
Isolate affected areas immediately.
Notify the farm manager and veterinarian.
Follow disinfection and containment protocols.
Report to authorities if required by law.