FDA plastic pallets don't always have to be expensive (or blue)

Has searching for an FDA approved plastic pallet left you with confusion and sticker shock? Save money (and avoid buying the wrong pallet) with these tips for understanding what the FDA really wants in your pallet application.

Pallets used in FDA regulated facilities need to be easy to clean.

You work with packaged food or pharmaceuticals and you've been told you need to purchase an inventory of FDA approved plastic pallets. You're not even sure you know what that means. Worse, the thought of complying with government regulations sounds complicated. Don't worry. Finding the right pallet is often easier than it first appears.

The FDA Code of Federal Regulations can seem confusing but it boils down to this: the FDA is concerned with the design, workmanship and material used in equipment meant to handle food and drugs (Title 21 CFR part 100.40).


What does this mean for incidental product contact?

• FDA pallets need to be easy to clean
  Hidden areas can trap debris or liquid which can foster contamination and bacteria growth causing adulteration of your product.
    
• FDA pallets need to be non-toxic
  The FDA does ban some substances outright and your pallets cannot contain them if they are to be used in a regulated facility.
    
• FDA pallets need to be in good repair
  Broken or dilapidated pallets can become part of the dangers of contamination rather than part of the solution. Broken pallets become hard to keep clean and pieces of broken pallets can end up in product.

Bottom line from the FDA on plastic pallets

When asked specifically about pallets, the FDA has answered repeatedly that for incidental product contact, a pallet must simply not pose an intrinsic hazard. Easy, right? It doesn't even have to be blue. For most applications, the less expensive standard black Plastic Pallet will be approved for use in FDA regulated applications.

So now you know the basics for using plastic pallets in FDA regulated facilities. When there is general, incidental product contact, a standard plastic pallet may be all you need. If your product contact is not incidental, please watch for my next post: FDA Pallets for FULL PRODUCT CONTACT.

Still not sure about which plastic pallet will work best for your FDA requirements? Get in touch with me or post your questions below. I am glad to help.

Post by: Hartson Poland, Business Development - Plastic