Study Visit to Denmark 25-28 August 2025
On 25-28 August 2025, Estonian cleaning and healthcare specialists participated in a job shadowing programme in Denmark as part of an Erasmus+ learning mobility project. The job shadowing took place in the large kitchen of Aarhus University Hospital (AUH), at the organic farming-focused dairy Thise Mejer, and at Vikan A/S, a world-leading manufacturer and supplier of hygienic cleaning tools for the food and beverage industry and other hygiene-sensitive environments. The following organisations participated in the learning mobility project: P.Dussmann, SOL Baltics OÜ, North Estonian Medical Centre, Tartu Health Care College, East Tallinn Central Hospital, Medicum Healthcare Services AS, P.Dussmann, Arkaadia Puhastuse OÜ, Pesuekspert, Pärnu Hospital Foundation, and Puhastusimport. The learning mobility project took place within the framework of the Erasmus+ programme under contract number 2024-1-EE01-KA121-VET-000236654.
During the study trip, participants experienced Denmark’s systematic and thorough approach to work processes. Strict rules were established in all institutions, ensuring work quality and hygiene, and employees were motivated and satisfied with their work. Employee well-being and satisfaction are also highlighted from an ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance principles) perspective, as this is an integral part of responsible and sustainable business.
During the study trip, participants experienced Denmark’s systematic and thorough approach to work processes. Strict rules were established in all institutions, ensuring work quality and hygiene, and employees were motivated and satisfied with their work. Employee well-being and satisfaction are also highlighted from an ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance principles) perspective, as this is an integral part of responsible and sustainable business.
During the job shadowing, various topics were addressed concerning modern challenges in the cleaning sector and food hygiene:
Aarhus University Hospital Large Kitchen
The AUH large kitchen is one of Denmark’s biggest, preparing food for thousands of patients and staff. They implement HACCP principles and a digital management system, eSmiley, is used to help ensure food safety, reduce food waste, and meet international standards (HACCP, ISO 22000). Over 80% of the raw materials are organic, and the kitchen also produces several additional items itself, such as mayonnaise and pesto. The scale of the kitchen can be demonstrated through numbers: annually, they consume 60 tons of flour, 300,000 eggs, 200,000 liters of milk, and dozens of tons of meat and dairy products. Additionally, the hospital has its own bakery. Cleaning is strictly systematic – colour-coded tools are used, which minimise cross-contamination. For example, orange tools are designated for the cold kitchen, green for the hot kitchen, blue for the meat section, and yellow for the bakery. The tools were clean, mounted on walls with fasteners, and cleaning plans were clearly visible. They also prioritise employee well-being and have a mentoring programme where experienced employees support new colleagues. Many employees have worked in the kitchen for 25–40 years, which indicates a strong team spirit and work satisfaction.
Vikan A/S – Professional Cleaning Tools
Vikan was founded in the 19th century with the motto “We can” and is today one of the world’s leading manufacturers of professional cleaning tools. The company produces over 3,000 products designed for hygiene-sensitive sectors such as the food and beverage industry, healthcare, and cleaning services. Vikan’s cleaning tools comply with EU and FDA requirements. The company conducts migration analysis tests to ensure that harmful substances do not transfer from cleaning tools to foodstuffs. During production, the bristle retention strength is tested every hour to prevent them from detaching during use. Vikan also has factories in Põltsamaa, Estonia, where microfiber mops and cloths bearing the Nordic Swan Ecolabel are produced. The company has also developed biodegradable disposable microfiber mops that decompose in nature within 2–4 years. Additionally, they offer innovative UST brushes (Ultra Safe Technology), designed to meet particularly high hygiene standards in the food industry. During the study visit, participants were able to test Vikan’s cleaning tools on both smooth and uneven surfaces. Things like flour, oatmeal, and water were used to test the practicality and ergonomics of the products.
Thise Mejer – Organic Farming and Quality
Thise Mejer is a dairy focused on organic farming, with all its suppliers being certified organic producers. The company’s product portfolio is extensive – ranging from milk and yogurt to cheese, butter, and sour cream production. Exports account for approximately 20% of their production, with the remainder primarily consumed in the Danish market. In this dairy, colour-coded cleaning tools are also implemented to prevent cross-contamination in different production areas. For example, yellow tools were used for cleaning the internal surfaces of machines, and green tools were used for external surfaces. Vikan and Thise Mejer collaborate closely – cleaning tools are tested in a real production environment to ensure their performance and safety.
During the job shadowing, a highly systematic approach, strict adherence to cleaning and hygiene rules, and high employee motivation were observed in Danish organisations. This experience provided participants with valuable practical knowledge on how food hygiene, environmental sustainability, and innovation can work together.
During the job shadowing, a highly systematic approach, strict adherence to cleaning and hygiene rules, and high employee motivation were observed in Danish organisations. This experience provided participants with valuable practical knowledge on how food hygiene, environmental sustainability, and innovation can work together.
Artikli autor: Merlin Salu