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Idealsafe Safety Bulletin - Food Safety and Transportation 10/11/19

Oct. 11 2019 News By Carrie LeBlanc

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Your weekly fleet safety tips, courtesy of Idealease Truck Leasing and Rental, are here!  

VIEW AND DOWNLOAD the entire October 11th Edition below and/or  SIGN UP to receive these weekly fleet safety tips via your email inbox automatically! 

In this edition, find information and safety tips on the following topics:

1. Compliance requirements from Food Safety Modernization Act (FMSA) to prevent the spread of food-borne pathogens. 

2. FMSA and the sanitary transportation of human and animal food. Learn the key requirements of the regulation:

  • Vehicles and transportation equipment
  • Transportation operations
  • Training
  • Records

3. Exemptions from the Regulation

4. How to ensure a clean temperature-controlled compartment: 

When needed…

  1. Prepare a bucket of food-grade detergent and water.
  2. Scrub all interior surfaces with a clean cloth and detergent/water mix.
  3. Use a water hose to spray the inside compartment. Make sure to spray the ceiling and walls as well as the floor. Give special attention to cracks, crevices, and areas near door openings and pockets. All cleaning should follow a “top first, bottom last” approach.
  4. Allow the inside compartment to air dry.
  5. Shut doors and/or take other steps, as necessary, to keep your vehicle clean. Always ensure no debris is left in the compartment at the end of your day.
  6. When dirty, wash the outside of the truck.

5. How to manage risk with the transport of human and animal food

6. Four key factors of suitable airflow:

  1. Use three-way block pallets to help provide adequate airflow. Do not obstruct the floor under the cargo. It prevents air from returning to the unit. Slip sheets and had stacking are not optimal for temperature management.
  2. Inside of the trailer/body must be clean to prevent contamination:
    • T-floor must be free of obstructions
    • Debris can block air circulation
    • Debris can be pulled into the unit, resulting in insufficient cooling
    • Use loading patterns that provide adequate airspace.
  3. Exercise caution! Provide adequate space between the top of the cargo and the ceiling. Products should be loaded evenly to avoid air flow restrictions.
  4. Do not block the unit evaporator air inlet (return air). Do not load product tight against the unit, walls or doors.

Enjoy these tips and please be sure to share with your teams and drivers. Stay tuned for next week's edition for more timely information.