Home > Hazards of Wood Pallets in the Food Industry

Wooden pallets have been widely used in the food industry for decades due to their low cost and easy availability. However, wooden pallets can pose several hazards that can compromise the safety and quality of food products.

One of the main hazards of wooden pallets is their potential to harbor bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that can contaminate food products. This is particularly true if the pallets are not properly cleaned and sanitized before use. As a porous material, wood can absorb moisture and organic matter, creating an ideal environment for bacterial growth.

Wooden pallets can also splinter or break, which can create sharp edges that can damage packaging or injure workers handling the pallets. These sharp edges can also create small crevices where bacteria can grow and multiply, making it difficult to properly sanitize the pallets.

In addition, wooden pallets can absorb chemicals and other contaminants, which can then be transferred to food products. This is especially true if the pallets have been previously used to transport non-food items, such as chemicals or hazardous materials.

Finally, wooden pallets can be prone to insect infestations, which can further compromise the safety and quality of food products. Insects can introduce bacteria and other contaminants, as well as damage packaging and create unsanitary conditions.

Fumigation is a common method used to prevent infestation by insects and other pests. Fumigation involves the use of chemicals, such as methyl bromide, phosphine, and sulfuryl fluoride, to eliminate pests from the wood. However, the use of fumigants in wood pallets can pose risks to human health and the environment.

Methyl bromide, which was widely used as a fumigant, has been phased out under the Montreal Protocol due to its ozone-depleting properties. Instead, other chemicals, such as phosphine and sulfuryl fluoride, have been used as alternatives. Phosphine, also known as hydrogen phosphide, is a colourless and flammable gas that is toxic to pests but can also be harmful to humans if inhaled. Sulfuryl fluoride, a colourless and odourless gas, is also used as a fumigant, but it is a potent greenhouse gas and has been associated with adverse health effects.

The use of fumigation chemicals in wood pallets has been regulated by various countries, such as the United States, Canada, and the European Union. For example, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established regulations for the use of fumigants in wood products, including pallets. These regulations require the use of fumigants to be done by certified applicators and limit the amount of residual fumigants allowed in the pallets.

In addition to regulations, there have been efforts to develop alternative methods to fumigation. For example, heat treatment, which involves heating the wood to a temperature that kills pests, has been gaining popularity as a non-chemical alternative. This method does not pose the same health and environmental risks as fumigation and is recognized as a safer option.

Overall, while fumigation with chemicals such as phosphine and sulfuryl fluoride can effectively eliminate pests from wood pallets, it can also pose risks to human health and the environment. Therefore, regulations and alternative methods such as heat treatment have been established to ensure the safe handling of wood pallets.

To mitigate these hazards, it is important to ensure that wooden pallets are properly cleaned and sanitized before use, and to regularly inspect them for damage and signs of insect infestation. It may also be advisable to consider alternative pallet materials, such as plastic or metal, which may be more resistant to bacterial growth, easier to clean and sanitize, and less prone to splintering or breaking.

Want to Clean Wood Pallets?

Cleaning wood pallets can be a straightforward process if done correctly. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean wood pallets:

Wear protective gear: Always wear gloves, safety glasses, and a dust mask to protect yourself from splinters, dust, and other potential hazards.

Inspect the pallets: Before cleaning, inspect the pallets for any damage or signs of contamination. If a pallet is broken or has excessive splintering, it is best to dispose of it.

Remove any debris: Use a stiff-bristled brush or a pressure washer to remove any dirt, dust, or debris from the pallets. If using a pressure washer, be careful not to damage the wood.

Sanitize the pallets: To sanitize the pallets, use a solution of water and bleach (1 cup of bleach per gallon of water) and spray it on the pallets. Let the solution sit on the pallets for 5-10 minutes, then rinse it off with clean water. Be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses when handling bleach.

Dry the pallets: Allow the pallets to air dry completely before using or storing them. If possible, place them in a sunny area to dry, which will also help kill any remaining bacteria.

Apply a sealer: To protect the wood and make it easier to clean in the future, you can apply a wood sealer. Follow the instructions on the sealer for proper application.

Remember to always handle wood pallets with care to avoid injury. It is also essential to properly dispose of damaged or contaminated pallets. With these steps, you can clean wood pallets and reuse them safely.

Wood Pallet Food Safety Risks

In more recent years, there have been growing concerns over the possible health risks posed by wood pallets. Federal agencies such as the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have taken it upon themselves to research and monitor the correlation between wood pallets, food safety and consumer health.

A study conducted by the FDA concluded that one in 10 pallets contains harmful bacteria like E. coli and salmonella. Independent laboratory tests on wood pallets found they contained harmful bacteria, including listeria. While the chances of ingesting food contaminated by these bacteria are low, these aren’t risks anyone is willing to take. The CDC reports that foodborne illnesses affect one in six Americans each year, and 128,000 individuals are hospitalized annually because of foodborne illnesses. Sadly, there are 3,000 fatalities each year due to foodborne illness.

According to the FDA, these wood pallet food safety risks come from three primary sources: filth, decomposition and unsanitary conditions.

Wood pallets aren’t usually treated with the same care and attention that composite, plastic, or aluminium pallets receive. They’re often thrown into piles on the ground or in the dirt. They can easily accumulate filth and grime. Unlike composite, plastic, or aluminium pallets, it’s difficult to clean and sanitize wood pallets. The less wood pallets are cared for, the quicker they will decompose. Decomposing wood is attractive to fungi and insects that are known carriers of disease and bacteria. Once they’ve infested a wood pallet supply, you can safely consider it contaminated.

How Do Wood Pallets Spread Contaminants?

Pallets made from wood can be less expensive but present many challenges to upholding sanitary food handling practices.

Unfortunately, wood pallets spread contaminants and pathogens because they are designed to harbor nastiness:

• Wood Pallets Are Naturally Porous and Absorbent
• Wood Pallets Are Difficult To Clean
• Wood Pallets Splinter, Causing Cuts, Scrapes, And Punctures To The Bodies Of Materials Handling Professionals, Increasing The Likelihood For The Spread Of Bodily Fluids And Blood Borne Pathogens.

Preventing Pathogens from Contaminating Food Products

Listeria Outbreaks Are Serious. How can the food industry prevent Listeria contamination and outbreaks?

Mitigate Cronobacter, Ecoli, Salmonella contamination and toxic chemical fumigants risks as well!

Clean Up Your Act!

Clean and be clean. Unsafe and unsanitary material handling equipment and practices can lead to illness and death. For the materials handling professionals out there,

Stop Using Unsanitary Wood Pallets

Composite, plastic, or Aluminium pallets are the ideal choice for the food industry;

For more information, please Chat with us Ask The Expert.