What is a Food Storage Facility Everything You Need to Know?

Any place or facility where food is kept, stored, or preserved under proper conditions qualifies as a food storage facility, according to the most basic definition. You may master the art of food storage and comprehend how food storage facilities function so well by knowing the best way to store each type of food.

If FBOs (Food Business Operator) have storage and warehouse facilities, the FSSAI has established specific rules that must be followed in order to ensure food safety. These facilities must protect the food and food items kept there from pollutants and unfavorable weather conditions that could cause spoiling and waste. Food that has been stored and food items need to be safeguarded against pests and a polluted environment. Facilities for storage and warehouses must be built, lit, and electrified in accordance with laws, and they must have a mechanism in place to avoid fires.

What is FBO(Food Business Operator)?

A food business operator (FBO) is defined as any business, whether private or public, for-profit or not, engaged in any activity connected with the production, processing, packaging, storage, distribution, importation, or sale of food or food ingredients at any stage of those processes.

What is the FSSAI?

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare of the Government of India formed the FSSAI as a statutory organization. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, a consolidated statute pertaining to food safety and regulation in India, is what gave rise to the establishment of the FSSAI.

The food business owners who store food and food items can make sure the products are secure and suitable for consumption by using the below-given checklist.

Factors to Consider While Storing the Food

1- Location and design of the building for Storing the Food

• Locate far from any industrial activity or environmental pollution that releases unpleasant or offensive odors, fumes, dust, smoke, chemical emissions, or contaminants.
• Avoid choosing a location in an area that is prone to pest infestation or where garbage cannot be adequately removed.
• Avoid being in close proximity to any residential area.
• Provide sufficient ventilation and illumination in the space, and thoroughly whitewash or paint the walls.
• In order to keep insects away, screen all windows and doors, including any outdoor openings, with wire mesh or insect-proof screen, and install doors with automatic closing springs. The screens and mesh must be simple to clean.
• Have easy-to-clean and sanitize floors with appropriate and correct drainage
• Waste should be stored so that it doesn’t pollute the surrounding environment, both within and outside the establishment, or the storage location. Waste should be kept in enclosed containers and periodically disposed of.

Read – What is Built to Suit Warehouse? Everything you need to Know

2- Storage Methods for Food

• Set up a proper system for storing food and food ingredients that are appropriately categorized and labeled.
• Have measures in place to maintain temperature and time control during storage.
• Use only non-toxic storage containers, and whenever necessary, make available cold storage facilities

3- Other Methods

• Set up a medical checkup for the staff every six months to guarantee they are free of infectious, contagious, and other ailments.
• Food items should be kept in pest-resistant containers that are placed above the ground and away from walls.
• Put in place sufficient controls to keep insects and rodents out of the processing area.
• To reduce food deterioration during transit, identify and offer the necessary supply chain links.
• Make sure that managers, supervisors, and employees have the proper training in food handling, storage, and hygiene.
• According to the regulations of the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, all packaged food products must have a label and the necessary information.
• To reduce the risk of contamination, make sure cleaning products are handled and used carefully in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and are stored separately from food items in clearly marked containers.
• During transit and/or servicing, keep packaged food protected in accordance with the necessary storage conditions.