If you’ve ever wondered what makes a warehouse “food grade,” you’re not alone. It’s one of those terms that gets thrown around a lot in logistics.
But here’s the truth: being “food grade” isn’t just about being clean or cold. It’s a checklist of very specific rules, procedures, and certifications that warehouses must follow, especially here in Canada.
Let’s break it down without turning it into a textbook.
So, What Does “Food Grade” Actually Mean?
In short? It means the warehouse is safe enough to store food without compromising its quality or safety. That includes everything from canned soup to raw ingredients.
In Canada, the first gatekeeper is the Safe Food for Canadians Act (SFCA). You can’t just open your doors and start storing food; you need a license. And with that license comes strict rules about sanitation, traceability, and documentation.
You will also hear a lot about HACCP and SQF when it comes to food-grade facilities. And for good reason.
HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) is the industry’s blueprint for food safety. Think of it like a flowchart for preventing contamination. It maps out potential areas of concern and ensures you’re actively monitoring them.
SQF (Safe Quality Food) builds on HACCP and brings structure to the entire warehouse operation. It digs into two main areas: how you run your business (management systems, supplier checks, training), and how you handle the physical space (cleaning, pest control, allergen separation).
Retailers in Canada, such as Costco, Sobeys, and Loblaw, often require SQF certification before they’ll even consider working with you.
Food Grade Warehouses is More Than a Marketing Term
Food-grade isn’t a marketing term. It’s something backed with real systems, real audits, and real results. That's why the warehouses you work with better have active HACCP plans and are certified under SQF’s Storage and Distribution program.
If your products end up on someone’s dinner plate, your warehouse better be doing more than just looking clean. They better have proven protocols, tested systems, and people who know how to stick to them.
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.
