Plastic Blade—Plastic shovels are much lighter than stainless steel shovels, which reduces fatigue during extended use. Unlike stainless steel, they won’t scratch surfaces. The single-piece construction has no seams where bacteria can grow. These shovels come in a variety of colors, which you can use to color-code specific lines or areas in your plant as part of a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) program. They’re also FDA compliant for direct contact with food.

Stainless Steel Blade—Stainless steel shovels are highly polished and have smooth, continuously welded seams, so bacteria has nowhere to hide. They also have a closed-back design, which prevents debris from collecting on the back of the blade.

Style B—The handle on Style B shovels is reinforced with aluminum for added strength and angled to reduce back strain while lifting.

Metal Detectable—Metal-detectable plastic shovels have a metal additive that sets off metal detectors if a piece breaks off and falls into your line, so contaminated food won’t leave your plant. They help you comply with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) programs.