What to Look For in a Food Grade Dry Storage Facility

If your business requires the shipment of goods from one country to another, you may need to temporarily store your goods in a dry storage port facility while awaiting transport.  When your dry goods include food products, it is important that the dry storage facility contain safeguards to protect your goods from contamination, infestation or spoilage.  Features to look for include the following:

• Consistent temperature range
• Low moisture
• Separation of goods from non-food products
• Pest control

Keep in mind that dry storage refers to facilities for goods that do not require refrigeration or freezing.  For food products that have more exact temperature requirements, dry storage will likely not provide an adequate environment.

Avoid Temperature Extremes in Dry Storage

While dry storage does not refer to refrigerated facilities, food products should be stored in an area free from temperature extremes.  Cooler areas are best for retaining freshness, so facilities that naturally maintain moderate temperatures will provide the best dry storage option for dry foods.  Also, electrical equipment such as freezers or furnaces should not be located in the same storage area as the dry goods.  Such equipment can raise temperatures and humidity levels.

Low Moisture Dry Storage Environment

When it comes to preserving dry goods, clearly it is important to protect products from exposure to moisture.  To store food, look for dry storage areas that consistently maintain a humidity level of less than 15 percent.  Ventilation is also helpful for eliminating moisture in dry storage areas.  Areas that have sufficient ventilation can help prevent condensation from accumulating on the packaging material.

Separation of Goods in Dry Storage Areas

Although products stored in a dry storage area should be kept in sealed containers, it is still a good idea to make sure food products are stored separately from non-food products.  This is especially true when dealing with products that are potentially harmful.

Dry Storage Pest Control

To insure the integrity of any food stored in dry storage areas, extra care should be taken to prevent exposure to pests, such as rodents or insects.  The storage area should be designed to discourage pests.  The dry storage area should be kept free from attractive hiding places that encourage nests.  Also, food should not be stored with direct contact with the floor, but should be raised off the floor by a few inches.

Packaging of Food During Dry Storage

Another important factor in the storage of food in dry storage is the container or packaging materials in which the goods are stored.  All containers for food should specifically be food-grade quality.  This means they should not contain any harmful chemicals, and there should be no transfer of non-food chemicals into the goods.  Containers that are air-tight, moisture-proof and insect-proof are also essential.  In some cases, covering the goods with shrink wrap while in dry storage can provide adequate protection.

By insuring the proper care and environment for your food products during dry storage, your goods will be in optimum condition for transport to its next destination.