Food-grade tank wash systems, including kosher tank washes, are vital in keeping food safe to eat and, therefore, in keeping people healthy. Choosing a company whose tanker washouts uphold the most stringent food grade requirements lowers the risk of costly fines or recalls in the future.
How Tanker Washouts Keep Everyone Safe
Tanker trucks ship everything from high-fructose corn syrup to cocoa powder across America. It’s crucial to keep cargo tanks clean and sanitized in between each load. Food-grade tank wash systems thoroughly cleanse each vessel and remove any cargo residues.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has strict food grade requirements that govern the tanker tank cleaning process. These regulations are specific to the type of food grade cargo being transported. When shipping in bulk, cross-contamination is a serious concern.
In many instances, a shipping facility must show documentation to prove their truck was given a tanker washout before products are loaded. These food-grade tank wash systems are designed to prevent contamination and protect the quality of food products. Tanker cleanings also remove lingering odors that could affect the next load.
Using cleaning agents that prevent bacterial growth protects the health of the community as well. Pest and insect control is also of utmost importance. While food is warehoused, an infestation may occur. A thorough tanker washout helps prevent this.
Various food-grade tank wash systems can be used to meet the food grade requirements of several types of cargo, including:
- Juice
- Corn syrup
- Sweeteners
- Dairy
- Fats and oils
- Flour
- Sodas and alcohol
- Edible oils
The Tanker Washout Process
Shipping companies often view proper tanker cleaning as a necessary inconvenience. Because the industry is so highly regulated, not all tank cleaning locations meet food-grade standards. Often, drivers have to go out of their way to find a site that provides food-grade tank wash systems.
Depending on the previous cargo, specific cleaning agents and washing water temperatures are required. After a tanker washout, facilities provide drivers with documentation explaining the type of tanker cleaning and the equipment used. Carriers must present this slip at their loading location before a new product can be loaded. Special certifications are required to prove that cleaning facilities followed the proper kosher tank wash steps.
If a tanker washout doesn’t meet a loading facility’s food grade requirements, another tanker tank cleaning is required. That can cause significant delays in shipping and unnecessary cost increases, making it crucial that you choose the right washing company.
Why Meeting Food Grade Requirements Is Essential
Ensuring your tanker tank cleaning meets all food grade requirements is a critical step in protecting your cargo, reputation, and consumers. If your food-grade tank wash systems don’t follow industry standards, you’re putting the general public at risk of foodborne illness and disrupted supply chains.
Proper food grade tank wash systems play a vital role in safeguarding against a number of issues. If food grade requirements aren’t followed, cargo residues leave new products at a greater risk of cross contamination and bacterial growth. Additionally, improper tanker washouts reduce the quality and integrity of food products.
From a business perspective, food-grade tank wash systems protect your bottom line. A failed inspection could lead to the entire shipment being deemed unsellable. Can you afford to lose that much product, especially for something as simple as taking your truck to a professional that fully understands tank cleaning guides? Even if you pass inspection, degraded products ultimately turn off consumers and reduce sales.
When a Tanker Tank Cleaning Isn’t Necessary
There are a few instances where typical food grade requirements aren’t necessary. Often, if a liquid is replacing an identical liquid in the tank after unloading, a tanker washout isn’t needed. Tanker tank cleanings may also not be required if the same dry bulk commodities are being shipped.
Specialty Kosher Tank Wash Services
Kosher tank washes are available to maintain food grade requirements and respect various beliefs. Kosher-certified washes must adhere to all FDA regulations while completing additional steps to gain kosher certification.
Kosher tanker washouts involve more than just a rabbi’s blessing and an upgraded wash. Cargo tanks must provide documentation throughout the hauling process that shows the kosher status of the load was maintained.
To meet kosher product shipping standards, rabbis, facilities, and third parties examine previous cargo history. If a shipper used the tank to haul non-kosher foods, a complex kosherization process must be performed. Once a tanker has achieved kosher certification, it’s much easier to continue kosher maintenance washes with diligent tracking than go through a re-kosherization process.
Trust White Tank & Truck Repair’s High-Quality Tanker Washouts
White Tank’s wash facility provides efficient tanker cleanings, including kosher tank washes, to get you back on the road as quickly as possible. We use state-of-the-art equipment and meet all regulations and standards. More importantly, we protect the quality and safety of the food and beverages consumed across the country.
White Tank is strategically located in the greater St. Louis area for truckers who need a convenient location while en route to sites throughout the Midwest and beyond. For over 30 years, we’ve been a leader in the truck services industry. Reach out today to find out more about our tanker cleaning services.
