Abiding by strict quality guidelines is crucial for transporting liquid food products, and using a food grade tanker plays a key role. A food grade tanker transports liquid foods, including fruit juices, alcohol and milk, in a controlled and safe environment.
If these liquids receive improper treatment at any of the handling, storage or transportation stages, there is the possibility that they could become contaminated. This brings the potential for severe consequences, such as possible illness for consumers and financial losses for the provider.
So, how can distributors ensure their liquid foods reach consumers safely?
Transporting perishable products
Perishable foods should always be transported safely and correctly, such as with temperature-controlled vehicles. This ensures that:
- All transport abides by legal standards and guidelines
- Wasted and spoiled products are kept to a minimum
- The goods are safe for consumption on arrival.
Hauliers must separate solid food goods to avoid cross-contamination and potential contagions, with constant temperature monitoring systems in place. One way to make sure this happens is by outsourcing distribution to an experienced haulage partner.
With liquid foods, transport is a little bit different. Large cylinder food grade tankers allow the transport of thousands of litres of liquids on each journey, and various measures are in place to make sure the goods reach their destination safely.
Transporting liquid foods
Food grade tankers used in the haulage of liquid foods are required to meet strict regulations. Procedures must be in place to ensure drivers are aware of all legal requirements applicable to their job, and all workers must uphold the highest levels of hygiene throughout the transportation process.
The tankers themselves must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitised before each journey to reduce the chances of any cross-contamination. This cleaning comprises:
- Thorough cleaning and sanitisation of the inside of tankers
- Drying of the inside of tankers
- Cleaning and drying of all entry and exit points
- Cleaning and drying of all hoses and caps.
These processes are subject to strict audit and certification, and seals may be used to secure cleaned tankers until the next shipment. Further checks and regulations are in place for susceptible liquid foods, such as milk.
Milk haulage regulations
As a more sensitive liquid food, milk haulage comes with further regulations to ensure that goods do not spoil or become contaminated. The highest quality milk in the UK carries the Red Tractor logo to show that it has been held and tested to meticulous standards.
Since 2015, any milk that carries the Red Tractor logo must be transported by DTAS approved distribution company. Around 95% of all milk haulage in the UK is regulated by the Dairy Transport Assurance Scheme (DTAS). These regulations ensure the highest possible safety and hygiene levels throughout the journey.
Getting your goods there safely
Haulage companies must comply with stringent regulations to ensure goods arrive at consumers safely. Contact Dennis Distribution today to see how our food grade logistics can help you transport your goods securely.