In food processing, maintaining a controlled environment is essential. While temperature regulation is often a primary focus, many facilities struggle with another critical factor—humidity. Excess moisture can lead to condensation, microbial growth, and contamination risks, all of which threaten food safety and regulatory compliance.
Traditional HVAC systems alone often fail to address these challenges. Cooling-based dehumidification doesn’t always remove enough moisture, leaving food processing plants vulnerable to condensation and all the issues that come with it. That’s where desiccant dehumidification comes in, offering a more effective solution to control humidity, protect product integrity, and create a safer, more efficient production environment.
Why Humidity Control Matters
Condensation inside a processing facility is more than just an inconvenience—it’s a food safety hazard. When moisture accumulates on ceilings, equipment, and production surfaces, it creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and other contaminants. This not only puts products at risk but can also lead to regulatory violations and costly product losses. High humidity levels can also impact equipment performance, causing maintenance headaches and unplanned downtime.
For companies looking to maintain quality and meet strict FDA and USDA standards, humidity control is just as important as temperature control. The right solution doesn’t just prevent moisture issues—it actively improves the production process, enhances safety, and ensures long-term reliability.
A Smarter Solution: Desiccant Dehumidification
Unlike cooling-based dehumidifiers that struggle in low-temperature environments, desiccant dehumidification removes moisture efficiently, regardless of temperature. These systems use a moisture-absorbing material to capture excess humidity, preventing condensation before it can form. The result is a more stable, controlled environment that supports food safety, extends shelf life, and keeps production running smoothly.
For many facilities, investing in desiccant dehumidification isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting product quality, reducing waste, and improving operational efficiency. And for companies like Southwest Cheese, it has made a real impact.
How Southwest Cheese Maintains a Safe, Efficient Facility
As one of the largest cheese and whey protein manufacturers in the world, Southwest Cheese processes over 3.8 billion pounds of milk annually, producing 388 million pounds of block cheese and 29.1 million pounds of whey protein powders. With production on such a massive scale, air quality and humidity control are crucial to maintaining product integrity and preventing contamination.
To support their operations, Southwest Cheese relies on over 20 CDI dehumidification units, some of which have been running for 14 years with only basic maintenance. Their team has seen firsthand how controlling humidity can eliminate condensation, improve air quality, and maintain regulatory compliance.
"CDI has been integral in providing the environment that our product needs. We are impressed with the lifespan of CDI's products with basic maintenance... It is critical to have the correct air quality to maintain overall quality, eliminate cross-contamination, and maintain air balance and cleanliness in the facility."
— Mary McWilliams, Quality Assurance Manager; Eric Denton, Director of Operations; Jason Wilbanks, Utilities Team Lead; Cormac O'Kelly, Engineering Manager, Southwest Cheese
For Southwest Cheese, the results speak for themselves. Their CDI dehumidification systems help them maintain a cleaner, safer, and more efficient facility, all while reducing maintenance costs and ensuring the highest standards of food safety.
A Long-Term Investment in Food Safety
Beyond preventing condensation, desiccant dehumidification offers long-term benefits that food processing facilities can’t afford to ignore. Lower humidity levels mean longer shelf life, improved air quality, and reduced risk of contamination. Plus, by keeping moisture under control, facilities can reduce energy costs, minimize equipment downtime, and create a safer work environment.
As the industry continues to evolve, investing in advanced humidity control is becoming a necessity rather than a luxury. Food processors that take proactive steps today will be better positioned to meet regulatory requirements, maintain product quality, and operate more efficiently in the long run.
