Food-Grade Warehouses

Meeting Strict Standards for Storing Food-Grade Products

Warehouses used for the storage of food-grade products must meet strict standards regarding cleanliness, sanitation, and safety. Food-grade products include finished food products, food ingredients, fresh foods, organic foods, and any supplies or equipment that is considered safe to use in the production, preparation or storage of food. The standards for the warehousing of these products are established to ensure the products remain safe for consumption throughout storage and distribution.

Features of Food-Grade Warehouses

Warehouses dedicated primarily to the storage of food-grade inventories should comply with the standards set forth by the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) and the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) and bear certifications from organizations like AIB (American Institute of Baking) and SQF (Safe Quality Foods). To meet the standards of these agencies and organizations, food-grade warehouses should offer special features like:

• • Temperature controlled storage – Warehouses must maintain the proper ambient, refrigerated, or frozen temperatures depending on the product stored there.
  • Sanitation protocols – Strict sanitation and cleaning processes that include a regular cleaning schedule and a waste management system to prevent contamination of inventories.
  • Pest control – Regularly schedule pest control applications to avoid infestations or outbreaks that could threaten to contaminate inventories.
  • Security and training – Inventory tracking systems to ensure freshness of products and training efforts to ensure proper handling of inventories throughout storage and distribution.
  • Specialized equipment – Use of the proper storage containers and equipment for handling any food-grade rated product.

What to Look for in a Food-Grade Warehouse

When choosing a warehouse for your food and food-related inventories, look for a facility that is clean, well-organized, and free of fungus, mold, or germs. You will want to make sure there are no holes or cracks through which pests can gain access to the warehouse and pose a risk of contamination to your inventories. Beyond that, ask yourself if the facility:

• • Can move your product quickly and efficiently to reach your markets prior to expiration
  • Has a pest control strategy in place that includes reducing the risk of infestation and steps to control an outbreak should one happen
  • Has the proper temperature and humidity controls in place for your specific product(s)
  • Will communicate regularly with you regarding inventory management issues

Houston Food-Grade Warehousing Opportunities

Palmer Logistics operates several warehouses in the greater Houston area that comply with the primary principles of food-grade warehousing. The company has been AIB certified since 2001 and operates its food-grade warehouses with the goal of providing customers with maximized safety and transparency, while minimizing the risk of contamination and waste. Ultimately, these efforts result in cost savings to our customers by reducing spoilage and waste and minimizing the risks of lawsuits and recalls.

To learn more about food-grade warehousing availability in the greater Houston area, call Palmer Logistics today!