Pallet knowledge / Food and hygiene

Food and hygiene

Do food businesses have to use plastic pallets?

By PalletChecker · AI-assisted, source-linked guidance

Reviewed 2026-10-03 · Source backed guidance; site specific acceptance required

Applies to: UK/EU guidance where cited; receiving-site and product specifications

There is no useful one-material answer for every food operation. Start with the food-safety plan and receiving-site rules. BRCGS specifically restricts wood in open product areas, with narrow justified exceptions; that does not describe every warehouse holding sealed food.

What to check next

• Is food exposed or sealed?
• Which production zone and certification rules apply?
• Get the receiving specification before buying.

Sources

• FSA: introduction to HACCP principles
• BRCGS official Food Safety bulletin: use of wood

How we research and review answers

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