Skip to main content

Within the storage industry, it is crucial that you store your products with particular care and consideration. This arguably requires even more thought when it comes to food storage. Although this isn’t a simple task, failure to do so can result in significant problems such as food spoilage and can subsequently affect future operations.

Large empty warehouseHere are six common problems with warehouse food storage for you to consider:

1. Incorrect Temperature Control

What can cause this to happen? Many things, such as doors not being appropriately sealed in temperature-controlled areas, subsequently allowing warm/cold air to enter which can create unwanted temperature changes. Another cause leading to incorrect temperature control is air not being correctly distributed as a result of a blocked ventilation system. Or even something as simple as freezers not working correctly. It is important to endeavour to make sure your warehouse is checked to maintain correct temperatures.

2. Improper Sanitation Procedures

In food storage warehouses, it is particularly important to practice personal hygiene and training, as well as thorough warehouse sanitation, with detailed procedures. Whether it’s cutting corners due to increased pressure to meet deadlines or loaded schedules, both often result in sanitation procedures being skipped in an attempt to save time. Make sure your warehouse sanitation schedule is practised consistently, and personal hygiene levels and procedures are maintained. Failure to do so can result in wastage, (from producing contamination), making those ‘time-saving’ compromises not so time-saving after all.

3. Pest Control

Pest control in any warehouse is essential. However, it is particularly crucial for warehouses used for food storage. Inadequate pest control can lead to spread of diseases & contamination, both resulting in food spoilage. Additionally, poor pest control can result in damage to property as well as your business reputation. Make sure you’re proactive with your pest control methods. Whether you have in-house procedures or use a contractor for your pest control, it is essential to have an outlined plan of action to tackle the problem.

4. Cross-Contamination

Certain food products should not be kept near each other. To avoid storing products that shouldn’t be in the same area, follow guidelines and procedures detailed with the product you’re storing – where can you store it? What can’t be stored near it? Additionally, it is essential to store and cover food with suitable wrappings, such as polyolefin shrink wrap, to further eliminate any chance of cross-contamination.

5. Product Rotation

Expiry dates, sell-by dates and shipping dates in the food industry contribute to thorough product rotation in the warehouse. FIFO which stands for first-in, first-out, is the typical product rotation method used that ensures that the first products in are the first to go out, eliminating spoiled food waste, making a good product rotation practice essential in a food storage warehouse.

6. Standing Water and High Humidity

Product spoilage can be caused by water build up as a result of high humidity. If your warehouse temperatures are set correctly, and proper insulation is used, humidity shouldn’t be a problem, as this eliminates condensation that results in water build up. If this is the case and the problem persists, water build up could be due to cracked walls, leaking roofs or plumbing. Be sure to have inspections and assessments to identify the source of your problem.

That concludes our list for six common problems with warehouse food storage. Some are more obvious than others, but all are equally important and essential for maintaining a high standard.

Thanks for reading – but why stop here? You might also find it beneficial to learn how the Shrink Wrapping Market has Evolved over Past Decades or maybe 5 Reasons to Shrink Wrap Seafood.