Food spoilage has always been an issue in a number of industries, not just in restaurants, food suppliers and the like. It has a wide range of effects and can end up costing not only the food company money but the warehouse and food storage company in charge of keeping items fresh as well.
A report released by the UK Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) highlighted the monetary benefits of reducing food waste through proper storage techniques and limiting issues in places like warehouse storage. The food industry could save anywhere between $120 billion and $300 billion with 21 percent of all waste arising from spoilage, with fresh fruits and vegetables making up around half of all waste due to temperature sensitivity.
Here are some preventative measures that can be taken to keep spoilage in warehouses and food storage facilities low.
Inspecting and Reviewing
A thorough receiving inspection coupled with a review of transport temperature records is a solid first step toward preventing poor quality food product. Visual inspections for damage often don’t provide sufficient information about the exposure that’s needed. This makes monitoring on a regular basis an essential component of verifying product quality.
Maintaining Quality
Piggybacking off the previous note, a facility’s main focus should be on keeping proper storage conditions up. The reliable operation of equipment warehouses is essential to upkeep those conditions and prevent spoilage. This can be achieved through system design, balanced operation, and preventative maintenance practices.
Temperature Alarms
There are automated temperature alarm systems that offer a cheaper and more efficient solution to the issue of undetected loss of refrigeration and food spoilage in warehouses. These systems use sensors to help supply a warning the moment space conditions in a warehouse aren’t their usual self. These alarms provide a continuous record of space temperatures and data can be utilized as a troubleshooting tool to avoid product liability issues.
When warehouse companies and food storage facilities are responsible for food loss due to spoilage, the food company that has suffered a product and financial loss on their end can end up making a claim against those warehouses. Liability claims can be financially draining, so having a comprehensive warehouse insurance plan in place that also includes spoilage coverage is ideal. Dealing with liability claims may be one thing, but not worrying about financial protection is the peace of mind needed.
Keep Losses Low
The major chunk of spoilage losses in warehouses is the result of undetected loss of refrigeration. Spoilage usually occurs over a period of less than a full day and when people are not present or regularly tending to inspection responsibilities. The lower the average storage temperature and the larger the warehouse space, the slower the spoilage will seep in.
Sterile Air Box Systems
This self-contained sterile air system does not require airflow input from a compressor. These systems will protect food product from things like bacteria and dust while producing aseptic conditions for fermentation. Sterile air systems can be stationary or mobile and include the necessary blowers, pre-filtration and air filtration needed.
About Newman Crane & Associates Insurance
Deciding what coverage you need and what limits and deductibles make the most sense can be tricky. Since 1965, Newman Crane & Associates Insurance has been helping Central Floridians make sense of their options and make the smartest choices for their circumstances. Whether you need Warehouse Insurance or any other type of business or personal coverage, we encourage you to contact our friendly, experienced, and capable team today. Call us at (407) 859-3691 for a consultation.