• iGPS urges investigation into wood pallet risks

    iGPS Company has called on the US Food & Drug Administration to launch an investigation of wood pallets and the risks they may pose to the nation’s food supply.
    Aug. 12, 2009
    2 min read

    iGPS Company has called on the US Food & Drug Administration to launch an investigation of wood pallets and the risks they may pose to the nation’s food supply.

    “Wood pallets may present a serious risk to America’s food supply. The over one billion wood pallets in circulation in the United States are a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and carry other undesirable substances that can cross-contaminate food,” said Bob Moore, chairman and chief executive officer, iGPS. “Wood is inherently porous and can easily absorb bacteria and fluids, creating a risk for food products where Listeria, E coli, and salmonella are a concern.

    “What’s worse is that wood pallets made with “engineered wood” components contain urea formaldehyde—a known carcinogen—which may come into contact with food under a variety of scenarios when it is stored and shipped on wooden pallets,” he said. “Formaldehyde is also released into the air when it off-gases from pallets in storage and transportation compartments, posing a risk to the health of workers and consumers.”

    Wood pallets pose other dangerous risks to food safety, as outlined by Moore in a letter to the FDA’s Dr Stephen F Sundlof, director, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition; and Michael R Taylor, senior advisor to the Commissioner. Wood pallets are susceptible to insect infestation and require heat treatment or fumigation before they can be moved cross-border. Fumigation is often performed with methyl bromide, a toxic, ozone-depleting chemical. Rusty nails that can penetrate food packaging are also a risk.

    Orlando FL-based iGPS can be accessed at www.igps.net.

    Voice your opinion!

    To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!

    Sign up for our free eNewsletters

    Latest from Refrigerated Vehicles & Equipment

    Sunswap
    English food retailer Tesco recently deployed five Sunswap Endurance electric transport refrigeration units.
    Sunswap’s zer0-emission transport refrigeration units with batteries and roof-mounted solar panels are expected to help Tesco meet its sustainability goals.
    Orbcomm
    orbcommcrewviewbayviewinterface
    New onboard solution enables end-to-end visibility for smart refrigerated and dry van containers in real time while in transit.
    Schmitz Cargobull
    From left to right are Alexander Thoma, Schmitz Cargobull head of refrigeration unit business; Volker Flatau, Schmitz Cargobull head of the cool freight product line; Frank Reppenhagen, Schmitz Cargobull West Europe region director; Dirk Mutlak, Tevex Logistics managing director; Andreas Schmitz, Schmitz Cargobull chairman and CEO; Rene Lemke, Schmitz Cargobull Bielefeld area sales manager; Sven Masuhr, Tevex Logistics head of carrier management; and Jonathan Steckel, Schmitz Cargobull head of product management.
    Germany-based Tevex is adding 166 new refrigerated vehicles to its fleet, including an all-electric S.KOe Cool box trailer and an ePTO-ready transport refrigeration unit.