Storage and preservation of bulk dry foods

To start off it is important to check that the storeroom environment is dry and  well ventilated. Moisture is the number one enemy of dry foods such as pulses, nuts, pasta and rice. Correct storage will prevent moisture from coming into contact with supplies and causing spoilage. The ambient temperature should not exceed 25º, so it is important there are no pipes protruding, which could be undetected sources of heat.

In addition to the ambient conditions, it is important to consider other risks that could affect these foodstuffs: the presence of insects and rodents, physical types of contamination (presence of screws, pieces of metal), chemical hazards (presence of  toxic product residues) from food and non-food products, such as cleaning and disinfecting products, that are stored together in the same location.

What can we do to avoid food contamination?

1. The storeroom must be equipped with shelving to deposit the different food supplies on them and avoid any direct contact with the floor. Shelving should be made from corrosion-resistant, non-porous material that is easy to clean, such as plastic or galvanised steel. The shelves should be flat and with perforations to guarantee the free flow of air.

2. Food may become contaminated if the original container is broken. For this reason, supplies should be taken out their packaging and placed in special containers to prevent unwanted waste. These containers should be made of easily washable materials such as plastic and have a cover or lid.

3. Food supplies should be organised according to the rule of First In, First Out (FIFO). This way food will not spoil because it is beyond its expiry date. Ingredient bins with a lid for filling and another for removing supplies, marked with a traceability label to indicate entry and expiry dates are extremely useful in storerooms.

Following these tips and increasing provisioning frequency if your storeroom facilities are limited will ensure better preservation of bulk supplies and prevent food risks and unwanted wastage. If you have any queries or would like to share any other recommendations, please feel free to contact us.