What Can Happen if Food Isn’t Stored Properly During Transit
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Proper food storage during transportation is more than just a best practice; it’s critical to running a safe and successful food business. Failure to properly store goods can lead to a cascade of costly consequences. In this post, we’ll explore what can happen if you don’t store food with the care it deserves while en route to its final destination.
Food Spoilage and Wastage
Maintaining the right temperature and storage conditions in the fast-paced food distribution world might not seem like a big deal—until spoiled food arrives at the customer’s door. The issue could come from improper packaging, but as long as you use the correct gases for food quality and safety monitoring, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. In many cases, food spoilage directly results from poor handling during transit.
When perishables like fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meats are subjected to temperatures outside their recommended ranges, it can dramatically reduce their shelf-life. The visible outcome may be decay, discoloration, or unusual odors, but the underlying issue is the exponential bacterial growth that can occur at less-than-ideal temperatures. This can lead to many problems for other businesses and customers. For these food-based companies, this isn’t just a moral issue; it directly impacts your bottom line, as wasted food equates to lost revenue and increased costs.
Health Risks and Foodborne Illnesses
It’s important to note that not all spoilage is easy to identify and remove, making it a potential hazard to future customers. The mishandling of food during transit, especially in the case of temperature-sensitive items, opens the door to foodborne illnesses. If transporting items must be kept at a consistent temperature, ensure you read up on refrigeration for all your trailer needs.
When bacteria, viruses, or parasites contaminate food, they can cause unpleasant symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, possibly leading to hospitalization or, in extreme cases, death. These are all outcomes your business should strive to avoid. Not only will such scenarios look bad for your company, but they can also lead to the final problem if food isn’t stored properly during transit.
Legal Implications and Regulatory Non-Compliance
The food industry is heavily regulated, and for good reason. Authorities such as the FDA and USDA set strict guidelines for food safety during all stages of its life cycle, including transportation. Neglecting these guidelines puts your business’s reputation and ability to continue operations at risk.
Legal implications can range from small fines to problems such as business closures. Sometimes, these agencies can even hold personal liability for company directors. These outcomes are all possible in response to outbreaks linked to your products. Noncompliance costs far outweigh the investment in proper training, equipment, and food transit protocols. Make sure you stay on top of compliance measures in your company.