What Can Happen if Food Isn’t Stored Properly During Transit
Proper food storage during transportation is more than just a best practice; it’s a critical component of 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
In the fast-paced world of food distribution, maintaining the right temperature and storage conditions 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 right 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 issues 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. This makes 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.
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 lead to the final problem that can occur 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. By neglecting these guidelines, you’re putting your business’s reputation and ability to continue operations at risk.
Legal implications can range from something as small as fines to problems as large as business closures. In some cases, these agencies can even hold personal liability for company directors. These outcomes are all a possibility in response to outbreaks linked to your products. The cost of non-compliance far outweighs the investment in proper training, equipment, and food transit protocols. Make sure you stay on top of compliance measures in your company.