Food Grade Freight: Requirements, Certifications, and Best Practices

The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) established strict requirements for sanitary transportation of human and animal food. Food shippers who don't understand these requirements risk regulatory action, product rejection, and serious liability.

FSMA Sanitary Transportation Requirements

Under 21 CFR Part 1, shippers must specify temperature requirements in writing, provide cleaning instructions for carriers, and document that vehicles are suitable for food transport. Carriers must follow those instructions and maintain records for 12 months.

Food-Grade Trailer Certification

Not all reefer trailers are food-grade. A qualifying trailer must be constructed of food-safe materials, have no prior cargo incompatible with food (certain chemicals, hazardous materials), and show a documented cleaning history. Verify food-grade certification before dispatch.

Temperature Monitoring

For temperature-sensitive food freight, FSMA requires written procedures specifying pre-cooling requirements, temperature setpoints, and exception handling protocols. A temperature data logger should accompany all shipments where temperature is critical.

IZY Logistics for Food Freight

IZY Logistics verifies food-grade compliance for all reefer and dry van freight carrying food products, ensuring FSMA documentation is complete and carriers meet sanitary transportation requirements.