The food industry has pallet requirements that differ entirely from ordinary warehousing: no chemical leaching into the product, no microbial contamination, and a surface that is easy to clean and inspect on a regular schedule. ICD Vietnam's food-grade wooden pallets are made from kiln-dried wood with no chemical impregnation, heat-treated by HT (no MB), with a tight surface that reduces cross-contamination. They meet HACCP, ISO 22000 and ISPM-15.
In Vietnam many food plants still use ordinary wooden pallets without special chemical treatment - acceptable if the pallet does not directly contact food and hygiene is controlled regularly. Problems arise when a pallet becomes moldy or has previously contacted chemicals in transport. ICD Vietnam supplies "virgin" pallets - used for food only, never reused from other sectors. Explore our custom pallets.
Food-grade wooden pallet specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1200x1000 mm, 1200x800 mm (and to order) |
| Dynamic load | 800-2,000 kg |
| Static load | 2,000-5,000 kg |
| Wood moisture | Below 18% (kiln-dried) |
| Chemical treatment | No preservative impregnation |
| Phytosanitary | HT (heat) - no MB (methyl bromide) |
| Surface | Closed or semi-closed deck, no large gaps |
| Operating temperature | -25C to +50C |
For food processors: why HT treatment matters more than MB
For food processors and HACCP managers, distinguishing the two ISPM-15 treatment methods is essential: HT (Heat Treatment at 56C/30 minutes) is a purely physical method that leaves no chemical residue on the wood. MB (Methyl Bromide) is a fumigant that can leave residue and is banned in many EU countries over health concerns. HACCP and ISO 22000 require eliminating chemical cross-contamination - HT-treated pallets are safer than MB for the food industry. Always require the supplier to state the ISPM-15 treatment method on the documentation.
For QC teams: a routine pallet hygiene checklist
For food-plant QC teams, wooden pallets need inspection and cleaning on a regular schedule. Monthly pallet checklist: (1) check for white or grey mold on the wood surface - reject immediately if found; (2) check for protruding nails or loose wood fragments that could fall into food; (3) check for oil or chemical contamination if the pallet is used near forklift equipment; (4) wash and fully dry before returning to the line - a damp pallet is a fast-growing bacterial environment. Recommended frequency: weekly for pallets in direct food contact, monthly for cold-storage pallets.
Applications in the food industry
- Food and beverage processing plants: meeting HACCP, GMP and audit standards from international buyers
- Cold and frozen storage: dimensionally stable wood under -25C to +10C temperature change
- Agricultural and seafood export: ISPM-15 HT meeting EU, US and Japan quarantine requirements
- Domestic food distribution: supermarkets, minimarts and convenience-store chains
Frequently asked questions
Are wooden pallets safer than plastic for food?
The answer depends on conditions of use. Plastic pallets are easier to clean and more waterproof than wood, but cost 3-5 times more and are harder to recycle. Wooden pallets are widely used in the global food industry when they meet hygiene standards: no chemical impregnation, controlled moisture, regular inspection. HACCP does not ban wooden pallets - it only requires appropriate cross-contamination risk control.
Can food-grade wooden pallets be reused many times?
Yes - with correct cleaning and regular inspection. However, after each use in damp cold storage, the pallet must be fully dried before reuse. A moldy or contaminated pallet must be removed immediately, not cleaned and reused in the food industry. Real-world lifespan: 2-3 years with proper care in a food warehouse, versus 4-5 years in an ordinary warehouse.
Request a quote for food wooden pallets
Need HACCP-compatible pallets for a food plant or warehouse? ICD Vietnam offers free consultation and full documentation for audit requirements. See our ISPM-15 heat-treated pallets or all pallet products.
Need a quote for food-grade pallets? Request a quote with your size, quantity and destination.