A conveyor suitable for use, e.g., in food processing apparatus, includes particular procedures and arrangements for decontaminating the surface of the conveyor. The conveyor surface is subject first to a mechanical cleaning, e.g., by spraying of liquid followed by brushing in a rinse/clean unit. This step displaces gross debris from the conveyor surface. In a second step, the surface is subjected to UV irradiation to sterilize the cleaned surface. This UV irradiation may be provided by banks of UV lamps between which the conveyor passes. Detectors for residual organic material may be used to monitor the cleanliness of the surface.