What Is a Food Grade Pallet, and Do You Need One?

At PalletOne, we often get requests to supply “food grade” pallets. To be sure, agricultural and processed food shippers are right to be concerned about the threat of contamination. In response, one approach many shippers take is to specify a “food grade” pallet. In this blog, we will dive deeper into FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) requirements for pallets, misunderstandings around “food grade” pallets, and offer insights on specifying pallets that best balance your needs for a cost-effective and regulatory-compliant solution.

Understanding Food Grade Packaging

Food-grade packaging set by the Consumer Brand Association (CBA) refers to materials safe for direct contact with food. They must adhere to strict guidelines to prevent contamination or the transfer of harmful substances into the food. Whether plastic, metal, or other approved materials, packaging for direct food contact must meet regulations set by organizations such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). These regulations ensure that packaging materials are non-toxic, easy to clean, and capable of providing sufficient barrier protection against moisture, oxygen, and other contaminants that could affect food quality.

While food-grade packaging includes primary and secondary packaging in direct contact with food, pallets used in the food supply chain typically fall under tertiary packaging, which does not directly contact food unless used in clean room or other sterile environment. but plays a key role in safely transporting food products

The Role of Pallets in the Food Supply Chain

As tertiary packaging, pallets primarily serve to transport and store food products already contained within their primary or secondary packaging. Because of this, pallets are not subject to the same stringent requirements as direct food contact materials. However, for food shippers, ensuring that pallets are clean and free from contaminants remains crucial to prevent indirect contamination that could compromise the safety and quality of food products.

Requirements for Food Grade Pallets

In the clean room or food processing area, the cleanliness and sanitation of pallets are essential. Materials used in food-grade pallets, such as plastic or stainless steel, are non-porous and easy to clean, preventing moisture absorption and the harboring of bacteria or pests. These pallets are often preferred in highly sanitary environments due to their ability to be sanitized effectively and their design, which avoids the entrapment of water or contaminants in crevices.

However, one significant downside to plastic or stainless steel pallets is their cost. These types of pallets are much more expensive than their wooden counterparts, making them more practical for use in controlled environments where sanitation is critical rather than for broader shipping applications.

FSMA Requirements and Wood Pallet Compliance

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) outlines several regulations that apply to the transportation and storage of food products, which include provisions for the equipment used in transportation, such as pallets. While wood pallets do not have to meet the same direct food contact standards as food packaging, they are still required to comply with FSMA’s standards for transportation equipment to prevent contamination during food shipment.

Wood pallets are highly cost-effective for shipping large quantities of food products that are not in direct contact with food. Under FSMA, wood pallets must be maintained in good condition to prevent contamination risks. This includes ensuring that pallets are free from mold, chemical residues, or visible contaminants and that they are inspected regularly to ensure that they are structurally sound and not harboring pests. In the pallet industry, these pallets are also called GMA pallets.

Regarding chemical exposure, past provenance of recycled or pooled pallets can be complicated to ascertain. While PalletOne is happy to certify that recycled pallets have not been exposed to chemicals at a PalletOne facility, we can’t guarantee that pallets have not been previously exposed. Selecting new pallets can alleviate such concerns.

One common point of confusion is the role of heat treatment in “food-safe” pallet provision. There is a misconception in the marketplace that heat treatment makes pallets “food safe.” For international shipping, wood pallets must be heat treated in compliance with ISPM 15 phytosanitary standards. While heat treatment eliminates pests and pathogens at the time, it does not make the pallets sterile or food-grade for direct contact with food. Therefore, regardless of heat treatment, food companies must keep vigilant about pallet cleanliness and consider the specific environments where pallets will be used.

Another question that is commonly asked is if pallets can be stored outside and still be FSMA compliant. The answer is yes. As noted on the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association website:

FDA permits outdoor storage, as long as the pallets, when they are used, will not cause food placed on them to become unsafe. Ultimately, if you store them outside, you should be aware of your responsibilities when you bring them into your facility, and decide what level of cleaning is required to make the pallets suitable for their intended use, which may depend on what type of food will be on the pallets and whether any visible contaminants are present.

Balancing Cost and Compliance

The decision between using wood, plastic, or stainless steel pallets primarily comes down to the specific needs of the food shipper. Wood pallets remain the most economical solution for most food transportation scenarios, offering durability and compliance with FSMA transportation regulations without the high costs of plastic or stainless steel alternatives. For environments requiring highly stringent cleanliness, such as pharmaceutical and food processing areas, the added expense of plastic or stainless steel pallets may be justified, as these materials facilitate the ease of cleaning and reuse without the risk of absorbing contaminants.

Ultimately, choosing the right type of pallet depends on balancing your budget with the regulatory requirements of the environments in which your pallets will be used. Wood pallets provide a cost-effective, compliant shipping solution for most agricultural and processed food shippers. In contrast, plastic or stainless steel pallets are reserved for the most sanitary environments where contamination risks are highest. Contact PalletOne to help you navigate your pallet needs for food shipment. Our sales team can help point you in the right direction.