Today, wooden pallets play a fundamental role in global food safety. For customers, organizations, and governments, having a supply of the right quality and quantity is essential to avoid disruptions in the supply chain.

In light of this, many people wonder, “How do wooden pallets impact food safety? What are the best practices to prevent food contamination? And what is the importance of packaging materials?” In this post, we will answer all these questions.

The Role of Wooden Pallets in the Food Supply Chain

From the perspective of a logistics operator time is one of the most critical dimensions. In this sector, virtually all goals and objectives are time-based. Added to this are the regulations of many countries regarding compliance with food logistics norms.

These two scenarios combined can become a massive headache for logistics managers. The only way to avoid this is to have high-quality pallets that meet the technical specifications and hygiene standards of each region.

Literally, pallets form the foundation for the movement of millions of tons of food every day. Therefore, selecting them, considering durability and ease of handling, is a decisive factor in profitability.

Ensuring Food Product Safety with Pallets

The international Plant Health Regulations (ISPM 15) is an international convention for phytosanitary protection. It defines certain requirements for the manufacture, processing, and use of wooden pallets for international transport.

Based on this regulation, the primary functions of wooden pallets include:

• Providing a clean and hygienic surface for placing food, preventing food contamination.
• Protecting food from physical damage. This prevents food from spoiling during transportation and storage, as well as the risk of cross-contamination.
• Reducing direct contact surface between food and the ground. This is important for minimizing biological risks in food.

Did you know that pallets are typically made of wood? Additionally, their dimensions and applications can vary according to storage conditions.

Risk Management in the Supply Chain with Pallets

Risk management is an approach that has been implemented in various sectors. In the food system, managing food risks is essential for strengthening food safety. A comprehensive strategy for risk mitigation should consider:

• Identifying risks, which should be assessed by professionals in the specific area, taking into account different processes.
• Evaluating risks, a fundamental process for qualifying and quantifying the impact of events occurring, as well as corrective actions.
• Mitigating potential risks, where many actions are put into practice. These include planning pallet cleaning, implementing good practices in food logistics, and caring for wooden pallets.

For many logistics companies, it is essential to receive accreditations or certifications from authorities that allow them to carry out their activities. One of the most evaluated aspects is the training of personnel. This has been one of the major causes of contamination involving pallets.

Preventing Contamination with Wooden Pallets

Wood is considered one of the best materials for making pallets due to its safety. Nevertheless, it is recommended to establish practices and actions to maintain this characteristic over time. Here are some practical tips:

· Use pallets in good condition. Cracks or holes in damaged pallets are breeding grounds for pathogens.

· Keep pallets clean. Pallets should be part of a cleaning program that eliminates any source of risk to food.

· Schedule inspections. It is essential to verify the structural integrity of pallets and select those that do not meet the minimum requirements for operation.

Other activities that can be carried out to extend the life of pallets and prevent contamination risks include:

· Pallet repair. After inspection, depending on the condition of the pallets, it is possible to replace sections or parts requiring replacement.

· Pallet cleaning. This can be done with cleaning products recommended by the manufacturer to prevent the proliferation of microorganisms.

· Apply heat treatments. These are one of the most effective cleaning methods. This is because many microorganisms die at a certain temperature threshold that pallets can withstand.

· Fumigation. Applying chemical products is a strategy combined with heat treatment that is highly effective in cleaning pallets.

All necessary precautions must be taken when applying heat and chemical treatments. Personnel must be thoroughly trained to perform these activities without endangering safety.

Maintaining Hygiene Using Wooden Pallets

A significant aspect of hygiene is separating raw foods from processed foods since each may be treated with incompatible substances based on their origin and destination. For more on this, here are some best practices for maintaining hygiene:

· Use pallet covers, wraps, or linings. These create a barrier that isolates food from the external environment, preventing contamination.

· Document best practices for food hygiene and handling. All quality management systems require manuals and documents to support their activities.

· Define loading, unloading, and storage protocols. These are the three key activities in the logistics process. The success of our operation largely depends on the proper execution of these activities. Staff should have clear guidelines for these activities.

It is essential that the covers be waterproof and resistant to abrasion. In some cases, they are made of plastic or cardboard. The handling of pallets largely depends on the appropriate equipment available to workers.

Conclusion

Wooden pallets are an indispensable tool in the logistics of the global food system. They have proven positive effects on ensuring food safety and reducing the risk of cross-contamination of food.

The safest way to achieve efficiency and profitability in your logistics operations is to have high-quality wooden pallets. They should be certified for use in the food sector.

Do not hesitate to contact DMD Custom Crates & Boxes to support your activities with the highest quality packaging products.