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27
Oct
1999

Food Grade Logistics

by Michael Kotendzhi | Logistics
Food Grade Logistics

How does fresh food make it to your plate? One of the most important steps to make that happen is the standards and procedures of food grade logistics.

The top 4 procedures are:

  • Pest control
  • Sanitization & Cleaning protocols of the warehouse and distribution centre
  • Proper education and training programs for all staff
  • Lot Tracking for all distribution, co packing, re packing

What is the meaning of “Food Grade”?

Food grade any supplies used in the packing, storage, distribution or shipping of food. Also includes the sanitation process of equipment used. This also includes liquor, spirits, beer, wine and non – alcoholic beverages.

In British Columbia and Western Canada Food Grade Logistics and Warehousing are required to follow - Good Manufacturing Practices, or GMP, as well as Good Hygiene Practices (GHP) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HAACP) to ensure there is a common standard across the board.

Food grade logistics and warehouses are a major piece of the food distribution supply chain. Consumers expect fresh food on their plates all year round. With this type of high-quality demand, Food grade logistics require a unique set of standards to ensure health and safety for the end consumer of your product. In selecting a third-party warehousing supplier for your food products, it is important to be aware of these standards and what your 3pl is doing to meet and exceed them.

What is Food Grade Logistics? 

The term “food grade” refers to any materials used in the storage process of foods, whether its co-packing, re-packing or distribution before trucking. This includes supplies, as well as the cleanliness of the equipment used. This includes third party warehousing and third party logistics.

Any facilities in Vancouver, British Columbia (B.C.) and Western Canada that house food grade products must adhere to key requirements for Good Manufacturing Practices, or GMP, as well as Good Hygiene Practices (GHP) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HAACP). These practices are implemented to ensure a high level of quality assurance and to avoid any contamination or defects observed on any food grade products throughout any stage of manufacturing, production, warehousing and transportation. To make sure that the product is ready for any cross-docking or trans- loading that is required to get the food to plate.

The same standard goes for any 3PL distribution of alcohol, liquor, beer spirts or beverages.

For over 30 years, 18 Wheels Logistics has strived to be the most customer-centric trucking, warehousing, and logistics company around. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, 18 Wheels relies on experience and integrity to make customers happy and remain on the cutting edge of shipping and logistics management.

If you have any questions about this article or you would like to talk to us about your shipping needs, please call us at (604) 439-8938.


Michael Kotendzhi is President of Operations & Transportation and a partner at 18 Wheels. Michael has over 15 years of experience and is equipped with a degree in Logistics from the University of British Columbia Sauder School of Business. As well as a background in logistics from XPO Logistics (formally Kelron Logistics), North America's largest contract warehousing provider.

Michael's experience includes supply chain management, reverse logistics, & domestic transportation. He has developed 18 Wheels' trucking solutions, effectively utilizing the sister company's vehicle fleet and building a transportation supply-chain network across North America.