9 replies to this topic

[vkul84]

Hello! I need some help with determining our requirements for different types of storage. We have lost our additional warehouse, which was used to store cardboard packaging materials, and closed bags and boxes of raw materials (herbs and spices).

 

We need a fairly quick solution for storage and there are multiple options being discussed. We are currently touring other warehouses to use for temporary storage (approx. 1-2 years, while we build an additional building on our property). I am being asked to provide my opinion, SQF wise, about the requirements for the different options and I'm having trouble taking the SQF code and putting it into real life "we have to have it this way" simple instructions. 

 

In an ideal world we would find a perfect food facility we could use, but likely we would have to renovate or fix up another facility that is not quite at the level we want (our facility is in a small community, so options are limited). So, the idea and options are:

 

1. rent a facility - use for cardboard only, no food or food contact materials there

2. rent a facility - use for cardboard and closed skid of raw materials - no open product or production

3. purchase a couple of electric reefer containers to use at our facility - temperature and humidity controlled and inspected, to be used for cardboard and sealed raw materials

 

My questions are:

- if we are only storing cardboard at a facility and no food or food contact materials, are the storage requirements less? Would SQF even audit this facility if cardboard only?

- has anyone done the reefer as a semi-permanent storage option? Would this fly with an auditor?

 

any help is greatly appreciated!

Edited by vkul84, 27 March 2026 - 05:52 PM.

[SQFconsultant]

All alternate storage areas, buildings, etc would need to meet the SQF requirements as it applies to storage and an SQF Auditor would inspect these places as in the event of the use of trailers would inspect those areas too.

 

I've had a bunch of clients using trailers and they all noted on internal docs and checked by pest control, etc.

[Lynx42]

Would an SQF (or any GFSI) certified 3rd party storage facility work?  We store raw ingredients for several customers, some customers store both raw materials and finished goods with us.  Then you'd have to have them listed as a contract service provider, but they would be responsible for their facility audits.  Not sure what the cost would be, but might be cheaper than renting, renovating, and staffing a separate building.  Also might be cheaper depending on how much you need to store, especially if your pallet count fluctuates.  

[GMO]

I was about to suggest the same. Why rent the whole thing rather than subcontract your storage to someone who is GFSI accredited? Not saying these places are always perfect but then you only use the space you need.

 

Also worth looking with suppliers about how you can set up procurement agreements to only carry the stock you need but that they store available stock for you to limit your stock holdings. That way you also minimise the cost. Make your procurement people earn their dough!

[Tony-C]

Hi vkul84,

 

As per previous posts, any warehouse would need to be operating as per the SQF Food Safety Code requirements. Stroring cardboard off site would be less risk.

 

I prefer the electric reefer containers option if they are adequately proofed as your materials would be on site and to hand. This would be providing there is no potential for contamination during operation, when you transfer materials and that you have enough space.

 

Kind regards,

 

Tony

 

[vkul84]

Would an SQF (or any GFSI) certified 3rd party storage facility work?  We store raw ingredients for several customers, some customers store both raw materials and finished goods with us.  Then you'd have to have them listed as a contract service provider, but they would be responsible for their facility audits.  Not sure what the cost would be, but might be cheaper than renting, renovating, and staffing a separate building.  Also might be cheaper depending on how much you need to store, especially if your pallet count fluctuates.  

 

I would love to do this, but in the area we are, options are VERY limited.

[vkul84]

 

Hi vkul84,

 

As per previous posts, any warehouse would need to be operating as per the SQF Food Safety Code requirements. Stroring cardboard off site would be less risk.

 

I prefer the electric reefer containers option if they are adequately proofed as your materials would be on site and to hand. This would be providing there is no potential for contamination during operation, when you transfer materials and that you have enough space.

 

Kind regards,

 

Tony

 

 

I'm leaning towards this option as well. At least onsite it would be directly under our control, and we could sell the reefer containers after the new building is complete and we don't need them anymore. I think management will have to run all the numbers and we will have a big meeting comparing all the different options. 

[MDaleDDF]

Not that it's germane to the conversation, but how did you 'lose' your additional warehouse?   Fire?   

[vkul84]

Not that it's germane to the conversation, but how did you 'lose' your additional warehouse?   Fire?   

 

I didn't want to muddy the water with details, but we found an insect contamination issue, possibly an issue with the insects in the walls etc of the building, or coming from the unit next door (shared wall). We had to inspect all skids of product there and send to a facility for freezing to prevent any issues with bugs (at a very large expense). 

 

There was talk of trying to treat the building, but gets a bit more complicated since we are organic certified and management decdided they didn't want to risk the issue repeating itself and did not want to use the buildling anymore. (it was a long term rental)

 

Basically its a big mess.......and I have our first unannoucned SQF audit coming up.......audit window starts mid April 

[jfrey123]

IMO, the best scenario would be to find a local warehouse/distribution facility operating under SQF standards.  Admittedly, that could be hard.  Having such a facility identified in your crisis management would be beneficial.

 

Option two, what I've done before, is to let the company rent trailers that are kept in the parking lot for storage.  We added the trailers to our master sanitation and pest control programs, adding tin cats and glue boards for insects near the doors.  When bringing material in from the trailers, we followed normal receiving procedures.  If it's all herbs and spices, I don't think you need reefers but that's up to your HACCP plan.