FOOD-GRADE WAREHOUSING & TRANSPORTATION

Food-grade storage and transportation can be a tricky maneuver. There are a lot of regulations to follow, and a lot of knowledge is necessary for what can be stored or transported together and what can’t. It’s also important to understand the exact temperatures that different kinds of fruits and vegetables should be stored at, as well as their humidity levels. For instance, honeydew melons should be stored around 55-65° F, while citrus, passion fruit, and watermelon should be stored at 45-50 ° F.

The Do’s

All food-grade warehouses must register with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and have annual inspections. These evaluations are done by organizations like ASI Food Safety or the Safe Quality Food Institute. Food-grade warehouses also require a state food license, must follow the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) guidelines, and have a Preventative Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) to oversee the food safety plan.

The food safety plan must include Good Manufacturing Processes (GMPs) like:

Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Plan
Sanitation and cleaning
Preventative care
Food security and defense plan
Glass and clear plastic policies
Safety of water supply
Visitor Policy
Customer complaint process
Pest control

The Don’ts

Obviously if any of the above isn’t performed, the warehouse will lose its ability to store food. In addition, the food-grade warehouse must keep away from:

Leaks of any kind
Trash, or rodents within the building & perimeter
Holes in windows or frames
Cleaning products, pesticides, or chemicals near the general storage area
Cross-contamination

Choose Wisely

Overall, finding the right food-grade warehouse can also present its challenges. There are a few keys to look for when choosing the right warehouse:

Multiple temperature ranges
Separation of materials
How products are moved from truck to storage or vice versa
Rejected items processes
Temperature monitoring systems
Visibility
What does the WMS provide?
Is transportation also included?

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