Can wooden crates be used for raw produce?
Does anybody know if wooden crates can still be used for raw produce? Some background information. The raw produce (cucumbers, jalapenos, okra, etc.) come in wooden crates from supplier. We would like to use the wooden crates at the facility since we will be curing and pickling the product in the next step. Can this be done or do we need to transfer the produce to plastic crates?
I strongly discourage using wooden crates inside processing area because it is too risky especially on open product areas.
But if you really want to used it, have a monitoring system on wooden crates with a frequency based on risk.
Monitor the following components to make sure no contamination is being introduced to your system without your knowledge:
1. Absence of molds/stains
2. Absence of pest infestations
3. Low moisture content
4. No splinters and cracks
5. Clean and in good condition
6. No protruding nails
Good luck :thumbup:
Hi mychell,
I anticipate that a "best practice" for yr application/industry probably exists but not my area. In seafood, plastic became the norm several decades ago but i am sure that other product segments will not be the same, probably including fresh produce ?
Assuming a haccp plan is involved somewhere, I predict the hazard analysis for wooden/plastic crates will differ unless you can validate that the wooden version is equally "safe".
This is an aging document but illustrates the then opinions on the pros/cons for general usage -