FDA (Food and Drug Administration) administers FSMA, whose sanitary transportation and preventive controls rules can apply to pallets used with food.
Detailed Definition
FDA's main rule touching pallets is the Sanitary Transportation of Human and Animal Food rule in 21 CFR Part 1, Subpart O. It covers vehicles and transportation equipment, requiring that equipment be adequately cleanable and kept in sanitary condition. Inside food plants, 21 CFR Part 117 requires sanitary operations and preventive controls, which can extend to pallets used on site. FDA does not certify or approve pallets. It inspects food facilities and can review transportation practices.
Which FDA rules reach pallets
FDA has no pallet-specific standard. Pallets fall under general rules instead. The sanitary transportation rule applies to shippers, loaders, carriers and receivers that move food by motor or rail vehicle. Facility rules under Part 117 cover cleaning, pest control and preventing contamination where food is made, packed or held. The food traceability rule in Subpart S applies to foods on FDA's Food Traceability List, not to pallets themselves.
What food companies usually do about pallets
Because these rules are largely performance based, each company sets its own pallet requirements in written procedures. Common steps include:
- Writing a pallet specification covering condition, cleanliness and material.
- Inspecting pallets at receiving and rejecting wet, moldy, broken or contaminated units.
- Keeping pallets for raw ingredients apart from finished goods if the hazard analysis calls for it.
- Keeping records of procedures and training where the rules require them.
Common misunderstandings about FDA and pallets
A pallet labeled FDA approved has no official meaning, since FDA has no such program. Plastic pallets may be made from resins that meet FDA food contact rules, but that describes the material, not an FDA approval of the pallet. Heat treatment marks show ISPM 15 compliance only, not food safety. Your food safety plan, not the pallet's label, decides what is acceptable.
Authoritative Sources
- FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA): FDA's information hub for the Food Safety Modernization Act and its rules, including the Sanitary Transportation of Human and Animal Food rule and the food traceability rule.
Related Glossary Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Does FDA approve or certify pallets for food use?
No. FDA does not run a pallet approval or certification program. Suppliers may describe pallets as food grade or FDA compliant, but that is a marketing description, not an FDA certification. What FDA expects is that equipment carrying food is suitable, cleanable and kept sanitary, and that your own food safety program considers pallets as a possible source of contamination. Ask suppliers to explain exactly what their food-grade claim covers.
Who is responsible for pallet condition under the sanitary transportation rule?
The rule assigns duties to shippers, loaders, carriers and receivers, and some duties can be shifted by written agreement. In practice the shipper usually sets the sanitary requirements for vehicles and equipment, and the loader checks condition before loading. Pallets supplied by a carrier or a rental pool are still part of the picture. Put responsibilities in writing so each party knows who inspects pallets and what condition is acceptable.