Food-grade pallets aren't just a marketing term — they're a regulatory requirement for companies handling food products. FDA regulations under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) establish clear requirements for all materials that come in contact with food, including pallets.
The primary concern is contamination. Wood pallets can harbor bacteria, absorb chemicals, and collect physical contaminants like splinters and metal fragments. For food applications, pallets must be clean, free of chemical treatments, and maintained in sanitary condition.
Heat treatment (HT) is the standard for food-grade wood pallets. Unlike chemical fumigation, heat treatment uses only thermal energy to eliminate pests and pathogens, leaving no chemical residue. All food-grade pallets should be heat-treated, not chemically treated.
Visual condition matters. Food-grade pallets should have smooth, unsplintered surfaces, no visible mold or staining, no oil or chemical contamination, and no loose nails or protruding fasteners. In practice, this means Grade A pallets with minimal cosmetic wear.
Some food companies are transitioning to plastic pallets for their highest-hygiene applications. Plastic pallets are non-porous, washable, and don't absorb moisture or harbor bacteria. However, they cost significantly more than wood alternatives.
SQF, BRC, and other food safety audit standards all include provisions for pallet condition and management. During audits, inspectors check pallet storage areas, inspect pallets in use, and review pallet procurement records. Having a documented pallet management protocol is essential for passing these audits.
At Riverside Pallet Co., our food-grade pallets are heat-treated, visually inspected for contamination risks, and stored in a dedicated clean area of our facility separate from general-use pallets. We provide food-grade certificates with every shipment for your audit records.