Among other challenges, the COVID-19 pandemic that struck in mid-March posed a dilemma for plant operators. As travel restrictions increased, those companies with plants certified through TRSA’s Hygienically Clean certification program were finding it difficult to have inspectors come to their plants to complete the certification process, or to renew certifications with a new inspection as required once every three years following the initial certification.

The answer—as many office workers have learned—was to use technology in the form of Zoom or Teams software that allows employees to conduct meetings with colleagues, while working off-site. They also can use the internet ...