The FSMA Requirement (Sanitary Transportation Rule): This rule establishes requirements for shippers, carriers, and receivers to ensure food is protected from contamination during transport. This includes ensuring vehicles are in sanitary condition, maintaining temperature controls, and preventing cross-contamination.
Recommended Solution & Expert-Level Pitfall:
- The Solution: As a shipper, you are primarily responsible. You must have written procedures that you provide to the carrier, specifying your requirements for vehicle cleanliness (e.g., “no odors, no pests, dry”), temperature monitoring, and protection of the load. For bulk liquid transport, this includes specific wash-ticket requirements.
- The Pitfall to Avoid: “Drop and hook” complacency. Failing to inspect the trailer before loading is a critical gap. Your shipping crew must be trained to reject a trailer that is dirty, has pest activity, or has a non-functional reefer unit. You must document this pre-loading inspection. Failing to have and provide your written sanitary requirements to the carrier is a direct violation of the rule.