NJ Food Grade Warehouse Standards and Requirements
Choosing a food grade warehouse in NJ requires careful consideration for how foods are stored safely within an environment. Various options exist, including areas for frozen, refrigerated, and dry storage. Food warehouses, along with distribution and fulfillment centers, maintain an environment that’s specifically designed to be safe and sanitary. What is clean? What do warehouses do to ensure the food products are maintained properly to the highest standards of hygiene and safety?
Food Standards and Requirements for Safe Storage
The Food and Drug Administration has specific standards for all warehouses to maintain if they are “food grade” locations. These locations have a higher level of cleanliness and take precautions to minimize cross-contamination risks. These strict standards help minimize the risk that the public who consumes these products is exposed to contamination. Here’s a look at some of those requirements.
- Registration with FDA: All organizations that make, process, or store food or beverage products have to register with the FDA.
- Have routine inspections: This then allows for the FDA to perform an inspection every three years to ensure that the agreed upon standards are in place and the warehouse is following them consistently.
- Plan for minimizing and managing risks: The FDA also requires a carefully created plan that outlines what is done to minimize contamination and what to do if there is an instance in which it occurs.
- Routine sanitation: A plan must be in place for warehouse locations to have a regulated sanitation process that includes record keeping of all housekeeping. This plan includes sanitation of the building and surfaces as well as proper handwashing for employees and ensuring employees have good personal hygiene.
- Employee training: Each employee working at the warehouse must also be trained to follow those standards.
- Clean and clear exterior: The outside of the warehouse must be free from standing water, weeds, pesticides, holes, open pipes, and other high-risks for contamination.
- Proactive pest control: The FDA also requires that all locations have proper pest control measures in place. This includes solutions to control both the interior and exterior of the building. Routine inspections and preventive care may be necessary.
NJ Food Grade Warehousing with Van Brunt Logistics & Warehousing
Food manufacturers and other organizations can put their trust in our team at Van Brunt Logistics & Warehousing, ensuring that your products are safely maintained. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, we can meet your needs and high standards as a food-safe establishment.
Contact us online or call 908-282-7080 for NJ food grade warehousing, distribution, and inventory management needs.