Food Grade Storage
Food grade storage is a type of storage that is specifically designed to meet the requirements for safely storing food products.
What is required for food grade storage?
Some key requirements for food grade storage include:
- Cleanliness: Food grade storage facilities must be kept clean and free of debris to prevent contamination of food products. This includes regular cleaning and sanitation of the facility, as well as proper pest control measures.
- Temperature control: Food grade storage facilities must maintain appropriate temperatures to preserve the quality and safety of food products. This includes refrigeration or freezing for perishable items, as well as temperature-controlled rooms for non-perishable items.
- Humidity control: Food grade storage facilities must maintain appropriate humidity levels to prevent spoilage and maintain the quality of food products.
- Separation of products: Food grade storage facilities must separate different types of food products to prevent cross-contamination. This includes separating raw and cooked products, as well as allergen-free products.
- Food safety regulations compliance: Food grade storage facilities must comply with all relevant food safety regulations, such as the FSMA, FDA, USDA, and HACCP.
- Labeling and tracking: Food grade storage facilities must properly label and track all food products to ensure that they are stored and used in a timely manner, and to facilitate recall if necessary.
- Lighting: Food grade storage facilities must have proper lighting to ensure that products can be properly inspected and that the facility can be easily cleaned.
- Proper ventilation: Food grade storage facilities must have proper ventilation to prevent buildup of moisture, odors and to maintain a suitable environment for the stored products. Overall, food grade storage facilities must meet strict requirements to ensure the safety and quality of food products.
Some of the customers we serve:
What products require food grade storage?
Products that require food grade storage include any food products that are intended for human consumption, such as:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Meat and poultry
- Seafood
- Dairy products
- Grains, cereals, and dry goods
- Baked goods
- Confectionery and snacks
- Beverages
- Frozen foods
- Canned and packaged goods
Food grade storage is also required for any ingredients or raw materials used in the production of food products, such as spices, seasonings, and preservatives.
Retailers we work with:
Why is it so important for warehouses to follow food grade storage guidelines?
It is important for warehouses to follow food grade storage guidelines because it helps to ensure the safety and quality of food products. Some specific reasons why this is important include:
- Food safety: Food grade storage guidelines help to prevent contamination of food products, which can cause foodborne illnesses and other health hazards. By following these guidelines, warehouses can help to ensure that the food products they store and distribute are safe for consumption.
- Quality preservation: Food grade storage guidelines help to preserve the quality of food products by ensuring that they are stored at appropriate temperatures, humidity levels, and other conditions. This can help to extend the shelf life of food products and maintain their taste, texture, and nutritional value.
- Compliance with regulations: Food grade storage guidelines are often required by law, and warehouses that do not follow these guidelines can face penalties and legal action. By following food grade storage guidelines, warehouses can help to ensure that they are following relevant food safety regulations, such as the FSMA, FDA, USDA, and HACCP.
- Brand reputation: By following food grade storage guidelines, warehouses can help to protect the reputation of their customers’ brands by ensuring that the food products they store and distribute are safe and of high quality.
- Avoiding recall: Food grade storage guidelines help to prevent food contamination and other issues that can lead to product recalls, which can be costly and damaging to a company’s reputation.
- Protecting the environment: Food grade storage guidelines help to prevent food waste by ensuring that food products are stored and handled properly, which can help to reduce the environmental impact of food production and distribution.
In summary, following food grade storage guidelines is essential for ensuring the safety and quality of food products, compliance with regulations and protecting the reputation of the company and its customers.
Here are some products that are currently in our 3pl warehouse that classify as food grade:
- Juices
- Food grade packaging
- Coconut Milk
- Dried coconut
- Chocolate
- Protein powders
- Freeze dried fruit and vegetables.
It’s important to note that, any food grade storage is required for all food products or materials that are intended for human consumption, regardless of the type of food, its packaging, or the stage of production.
