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July-August 2015

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20 PalletCentral • July-August 2015 palletcentral.com INDUSTRY not uncommon in the environment but not on consumable items. The FDA was not able to determine where the pathogens originated. The exposure may have originated in the various stages and handoffs in the supply chain and could originate from improper storage, exposure to water or cross contamination from other sources if the pallet was not properly handled. Fortunately produce packaging provides a barrier between the pallet and direct contact with fresh fruits and vegetables. As long as the pallet is clean and dry the potential for a food safety issue coming from a pallet is not a concern. There are various types of pallets with wood pallets the most widely used in the distribution of produce. The use of the plastic pallet is growing along with the use of reusable plastic containers (RPC's). Plastic provides a solid platform and is not as easily damaged and does not have issues with splintering and protruding nails. The use of the higher initial cost of a plastic pallet or RPC can be successful and sustainable when used in either a closed loop system or part of a pooling process. Even the plastic pallet or container has issues when it comes to food safety if not properly handled in the recycle process or while in the supply chain. Improper handling or lack of proper sanitation may result in foreign plant material, stickers or adhesive residue remaining on the container from previous uses. There is currently a scientific study being crafted to test for pathogens that could potentially be harmful to greenhouse production if the RPC enters a greenhouse environment when not properly sanitized or handled according to best practices developed by the Returnable Packaging Association. This may also hold true for any packaging material not handled properly. At the end of the day the use of wood pallets continues to expand in the produce industry and around the globe as our food chain looks to maintain and improve efficiencies along with solid food safety programs. With a worldwide market and the ever changing number of fresh fruits and vegetables entering the supply chain the use of programs like the Pallet Design System™ will be critical to ensure the right pallet is specified and used for the right product. Securing the correct shipping platform is a benefit to everyone involved in the supply chain and history shows wood works! PC Dan Vaché is vice president of supply chain management at the United Fresh Produce Association. He can be reached at 425-629-6271 or dvache@unitedfresh.org.

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