(Newswire.net — November 11, 2013) Tampa, Florida —
Although the FDA has been reported to look closer at the correlation between pallets and the food contamination reports that occur and heightened incidences of E Coli, they are careful to cast opinions that may be harmful generalizations. Wooden pallets versus plastic pallets has been a source of heated debate as both sides claim safer methods of precautions.
The storage of pallets has a lot to do with the transmission of bacteria and germs. In some instances where pallets are stored next to garbage and refuse dumps, one could argue that there is a greater chance of disease that can spread here. Since so much of our food supply is dependent upon pallet transport, this topic is a major source of contention. Animals, meats, and fruits and vegetables can easily be exposed to pallet contamination if the pallet supplier and/ or manufacturer is not careful.
As time marches on, pallet standards will be more stringent however having said that, there has not in six decades, been any clear cut incidence where pallets have been labeled as the prime suspect in disease or bacteria. There were a recall on prescription over the counter drugs awhile back which was not pointing only at the pallets, but it was not ruled out either.
Pallets have always been taken for granted in the supply chain of transport. Their use and contribution to the logistical industry cannot be underscored enough. How many people really calculate the inherent costs associated with the pallet portion of the logistics supply chain? With heavier regulation and governmental oversight, this can significantly add to the commodity pricing worldwide which only gets passed onto the consumer at the checkout counter.
Sanitation precautions and anti-bacterial administration add layers of complexity and expense that most industries are not ready to absorb. Until it is a clear cut fact that can be quantified, the FDA will be hard pressed to pass such judgment potentially crippling an already limping economic recovery. With the healthcare increases just around the corner, can the U.S. consumer absorb another wallet threat without a choice?
The Atlanta pallet and Tampa pallet industries are responsible for the lion’s share of the Southeast’s industry supply. Premier Pallets distributes pallets throughout the United States with these two cities maintaining its principal volume. Regulatory oversight within the pallet business has been a prime source of cost benefit analysis in supply chain management. It would stand to reason that any wholesale incremental costs added to the equation would certainly be reviewed by this body.