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?