Understanding Food Safety Standards in Warehousing

Ask anyone in the food business and they’ll tell you, safe warehousing is non-negotiable. But what does that actually mean? What standards are we talking about? And how does a warehouse prove it’s doing things right?

To understand what goes into food-grade warehousing, we need to break down the three pillars of food-grade warehousing in Canada: SQF, HACCP, and GMP. Because it’s not just about storing food. It’s about protecting it, tracking it, and ensuring it arrives exactly as it left.

Why Food Safety in Warehousing Isn’t Optional

In Canada, the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) set the tone. If your warehouse handles food, it must be licensed and audited. That includes showing documented systems for sanitation, temperature control, pest management, and product traceability.

You’re either compliant or you’re out. There’s no middle ground. Beyond that, there are three certifications that show a warehouse goes above and beyond.

HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)

This is the blueprint for food safety. It identifies potential hazards like contamination risks or cold chain failures, and maps out where and how they’re controlled. 

GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)

Think of GMP as the everyday hygiene checklist. Floors must be cleanable. Walls must be sealed. No cracked tiles or leaky pipes. Every corner of a warehouse needs to be designed so that pests and bacteria can't get in.

SQF (Safe Quality Food)

This is the certification that wraps it all together. SQF builds on HACCP and GMP and includes audits, documentation, and risk-based preventative controls. Canadian retailers won’t just ask if you’re food grade, they’ll ask if you’re SQF certified.

Warehousing is more than a storage solution when it comes to food, and standards like SQF, HACCP, and GMP are the backbone of trust between suppliers, retailers, and consumers. For any business in the food supply chain, understanding and prioritizing these safety protocols isn’t just smart. It’s essential.

Warehousing Companies North America (WCNA) can connect a business with the ideal warehouse for its needs and budget. We have a wide network of warehouses in key cities in North America, including Vancouver, Toronto, Las Angeles, Chicago, New York, Arizona, and all other major cities. Our team is experienced in finding the best facility for each business.