December 12, 2019
Food Safety and Quality Transportation Guidelines
Food safety is a fundamental aspect of food supply chains and this should be achieved without compromise. Transporting food from factories is typically done in bulk as different food items are supplied to wholesalers like supermarkets. The Food and Drug Administration has stipulated guidelines that must be adhered to when transporting food in bulk. Aside from ensuring safety, manufacturers must ascertain that quality is upheld so the food arrives in proper condition. Here are five guidelines for transporting bulk food:
Monitoring Supply Chains
Bulk processing of food entails different players along the supply chain and in many cases, players operate independently. This arrangement may present loopholes for some people to cut corners to keep expenditures low. These could be improper hygiene, using a hazardous material, etc. Such problems are common in supply chains in the Global South and may go undetected due to lax laws. Habitually inspecting the supply chain will help you unearth such loopholes and nip the problem in the bud before it things escalate.
Pest Control
Rodents and pests are a nuisance in warehouses and they are likely to find their way into the packed food. Considering that food transportation can take several hours to several months, it is imperative that you fumigate your premises to keep these little creatures at bay. The FDA has been criticized for not being vigilant enough in protecting food from damage by pests and this is a huge concern for consumers. In 2010, the CDC reported that food poisoning affects 48 million per year and 3,000 succumb to it. Given the dire consequences of pests contaminating food, food grade transport you should not skimp on pest control.
Education and Training
Knowledge is a powerful tool in averting crises that are brought on by ignorant decisions. Therefore, food companies need to invest in educating their staff on the importance of food safety and how to achieve that. Multinational companies with outlets in developing countries have an added duty of ensuring safety and quality standards are matched throughout. This training is a must-have for a food grade trucking company operating in such areas where updated information may not be forthcoming. Also, this training should be done regularly to keep everyone abreast of the latest industry standards.
Fresh Produce and Fruits
If you are transporting fresh vegetables and fruits, you must follow FDA guidelines on how to prepare, slice, pack, trim, peel, wash, etc. Some produce may require treatment, seasoning, and other procedures to maintain quality before and after they are placed on shelves. Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMPs) guidelines are a great place to start. The document advocates that processors who do bulk food grade transportation of fresh produce to control microbial hazards.
Tanker Design Requirements
As you can imagine, ferrying food across the country or even across borders is not a mean feat. A food grade transport company must design their tankers appropriately and install various fittings to ease transportation. More so, they need to incorporate food grade materials that are also environmentally friendly. Lastly, seal the tanker properly as air can trigger oxidization of food.
Washing Tankers
Transporting food in bulk heightens the risk of loses as any contamination means doing away with a huge inventory. Bulk food grade transportation companies must do a thorough cleaning of tankers before loading them. This is good practice that will keep contaminants at bay and ensure that your food quality is not compromised.
Visual Inspection
Maintaining safety and quality by inspecting bulk food grade transportation is vital. Before loading and transporting food in bulk, visually inspect the interior and exterior of tanks with a flashlight. Check for possible problems and concerns, including:
- Corrosion
- Cracks
- Leaks
- Flaking
- Sealings
Completing this important safety and quality requirement ensures that food products remain free of dust and other particle contaminants. Even small pollutants can ruin entire loads worth of product.
Appropriate Documentation
Drivers for bulk food grade transportation vehicles require documentation to confirm the quality and safety of transported food. The wash tag, for instance, indicates that the tank was properly washed before being loaded by a certified and audited tank wash facility. Another essential document is the bill of lading (BOL). The BOL records and confirms all shipping details, including the sealing numbers. Filling out a BOL form certifies that the transported bulk food is done properly with the necessary quality standards.
Sealed Tankers
The seals used on tankers and other transportation containers are important hallmarks of uncontaminated food. When tankers are loaded and sealed, security seals are affixed to show any indication of tampering. If seals are not attached or if they have been tampered with, the load can be a serious safety concern. Many companies even dispose of entire loads due to tampering with the seal. Use the BOL to log seals and any breakages.
Choose the Right Bulk Food Grade Transportation Company
Kan-Haul is dedicated to the highest industry shipping cleanliness standards. At Kan-Haul, workers are trained in sanitation practices, contaminants from pests are minimized, and shipping containers are cleaned and monitored. Enlisting Kan-Haul for the transportation of bulk food products minimizes contamination problems and maximizes quality service.
With over three decades of experience transporting bulk food, Kan-Haul makes the choice easy. Choose the right bulk food grade transportation and contact us now.
