The food industry has some of the strictest requirements for pallet quality, cleanliness, and compliance. Using the wrong pallets can lead to contamination, failed audits, regulatory violations, and costly product recalls. Here's what food businesses need to know about pallet selection.
FDA and FSMA Requirements
The FDA's Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) requires food businesses to implement preventive controls to minimize contamination risks — and pallets are a recognized potential contamination vector. While FSMA doesn't specify a particular pallet type, it does require that pallets used in contact with food products be clean, sanitary, and free from contamination.
Practically, this means pallets should be free of visible dirt, mold, and biological contamination, free of chemical contamination or strong odors, structurally sound with no loose splinters or protruding nails that could damage packaging, and stored in clean, covered areas.
Wood vs. Plastic for Food
For food-contact applications, plastic pallets are generally preferred because they're non-porous (don't absorb moisture, bacteria, or chemicals), easy to wash and sanitize, resistant to mold and pest infestation, and consistent in dimensions for automated systems. However, Grade A recycled wood pallets can be perfectly acceptable for many food applications, particularly when the food is fully enclosed in packaging and the pallet serves as a transport platform rather than a direct food-contact surface.
Heat Treatment for Food Pallets
Heat-treated wood pallets are strongly preferred for food applications even when ISPM 15 isn't required. The heat treatment process kills bacteria, mold spores, and insects that could contaminate food products. Look for the ISPM 15 stamp with the HT marking.
GFSI and Retailer Requirements
Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) benchmarked standards like SQF, BRC, and FSSC 22000 all include pallet management in their audit scope. Major retailers (Walmart, Costco, Kroger) have their own pallet requirements that may exceed regulatory minimums. Always check your customers' specific pallet requirements before shipping.
Best Practices
Inspect every pallet before use for contamination, damage, and foreign objects. Use dedicated pallets for food products — don't mix with pallets used for chemicals or industrial products. Store pallets in clean, covered areas away from potential contaminants. Maintain records of pallet sourcing and any treatments applied. Work with a reputable pallet supplier who understands food industry requirements.
How We Help
Sacramento Pallet Co. supplies food-grade wood pallets that meet the requirements of FSMA, GFSI, and major retailers. Our Grade A pallets are clean, inspected, and available with ISPM 15 heat treatment. We can also source FDA-compliant plastic pallets for applications requiring the highest hygiene standards.