The choice of pallets is a strategic matter for transporting food and handling merchandise. The correct choice of these tools implies taking into account their size, resistance, and construction material to guarantee a safe transport appropriate to the needs of the product.​​

Therefore, if the pallets are not suitable, they could break, not fit correctly in the type of transport or destabilize the load. Thus, it can cause serious consequences, such as a damaged cargo that it does not deliver in good condition or is lost.

Standards for food-grade pallets

As you must know, the competent health authority of each country is responsible for regulating the manufacture and control of articles that will be in contact with food. For this reason, some standards regulate the manufacture, storage, transport, and packaging and pieces that help food safety. These standards regulate a wide range of matters, among which we can mention the following ones:

• Basic principles and good hygiene practices
• Design and construction requirements for manufacturing areas
• Ventilation and lighting requirements
• Correct waste management
• Sanitary facilities
• Education and training of employed personnel
• Manufacturing operations
• Quality assurance
• Storage and transportation of items

What are food safety pallets?

Food safety pallets are rigid structures designed to support stored cargo evenly. The platform’s height and surface are essential since the load is for constant transportation.

Most widespread standards of food-grade pallets

Pallets were made to facilitate the storage, loading, and transport of food and must meet specific mandatory international standards. The manufacture of pallets is regulated as follows:

• The europallet with 800 x 1200 mm
• The isopallet with 1000 x 1200 mm

But in addition to these international standards, other pallet sizes widely use, but they must be correctly approved.

Factors when choosing wooden decking

The variety of sizes and types of wooden pallets forces you to think about the factors to consider when choosing.

The selection process can be complex, but here we describe what you need to know to select what you really need. Among the most important factors to consider are the following:

• Weight of the product to load
• Calculation of the amount you need
• Verification of the size of the pallets
• Find a certified provider
• Type of wood used for the pallets
• Retail and wholesale price
• Customer feedback
• Certifications that support quality

Different types of wooden pallets

Wooden pallets occupy most of the market and are the most used due to their strength, reliability, and price ratio. The International Standard UNE-EN 12246 establishes the “Wood quality classes used in pallets and packaging.” In general, the sawn wood with which the pallets are made comes from: 

• Conifers. Like fir, maple, and other varieties of pine.
• Leafy. Like birch, acacia, alder, maple, chestnut, poplar, ash, beech, elm, plane tree, and oak.

It is appropriate to remember that if the wooden pallets are going to be used for export, they must be certified. The NIMF-15 standard describes the procedure to carry out the correct disinfection of the wood that each pallet must receive. ​

Advantages and disadvantages of each type of wooden pallet

Wooden pallets are a popular product storage and transport option due to their versatility and durability. However, not all wooden pallets are created equal, and weighing each type’s advantages and disadvantages is crucial to make an informed decision.

For example, pallets made from softwoods like pine or fir are lighter than hardwoods like oak or walnut, making them easier to handle and transport. However, its lower weight also translates into insufficient sturdiness, affecting its ability to support heavy loads.

On the other hand, hardwood pallets are heavier but also more resistant. It makes them ideal for transporting heavier products and ensuring greater security during transport. However, the increased weight of these pallets can also increase transportation and handling costs.

When evaluating wood pallet options for your business, it’s essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each type and your specific needs. Factors such as cost, resistance, and transportation can influence the choice of the type of wooden pallet that best suits your needs and business objectives.

Pallet hygiene standards to ensure food safety

The basic rules to guarantee the safety of food that is transported with wooden pallets are:

• Cleaning and disinfection: Pallets must be cleaned and disinfected regularly to avoid the accumulation of dirt and bacteria.
• Food separation: It is essential to separate raw foods from cooked and ready-to-eat foods, since they may contain dangerous bacteria that could contaminate the latter.
• Safe temperatures: Food must be stored and transported at safe temperatures to prevent the growth of bacteria that could cause illness.
• Safe raw materials: It is vital to use safe raw materials to avoid food contamination.
• Proper handling: Food and pallets must be handled properly to avoid cross-contamination and ensure food safety.

How to keep wooden pallets clean and prevent contamination

The hygiene of the pallets used to transport food is vital, so we will tell you some basic things to maintain them. Let’s see how plastic pallets should be cleaned and what products to use for this task.

Regular Cleaning: Pallets should be cleaned regularly with soap and water to remove dirt, debris, and microorganisms that may accumulate on their surface.

Visual inspection: It is important to perform a visual inspection of the pallets before use to ensure that they are in good condition and do not show cracks, chips or signs of damage that could contaminate food.

Adequate storage: Pallets must be stored in dry and ventilated places to avoid the proliferation of microorganisms and mold formation.

Avoid contact with toxic substances: Pallets must not come into contact with toxic substances that could contaminate food, such as pesticides or chemical products.

Pallet separation: Wooden pallets used for raw and cooked foods should be kept separate to prevent cross-contamination.

Risks associated with the use of low-quality pallets

There are risks associated with the use of low-quality pallets that must be known to take actions to help avoid them. Among the most imminent risks, we can mention the collapse or collapse of a pallet and that the pallet arrives badly at its destination.

Contact DMD today for expert advice and to obtain the right wooden pallets to ensure safe and efficient food transport. Our team of professionals will help you choose the pallets that meet the necessary quality standards and health regulations, ensuring that your products arrive in optimal conditions.

Refrain from risking the integrity of your merchandise. Contact us and trust our experience in packaging and transport solutions. Contact us now!​​