Pallet knowledge / Food and hygiene

Food and hygiene

Do pallets carrying empty food packaging need hygiene controls?

By PalletChecker · AI-assisted, source-linked guidance

Reviewed 2026-10-03 · Source backed guidance; cargo and site specific assessment required

Applies to: Great Britain; destination and site rules may differ

Yes. Packaging can carry contamination into the food operation before food is filled into it. Include empty bottles, trays, films and their handling in the prerequisite controls, and protect packaging from dirt and damage. Agree pallet acceptance with the packaging customer.

What to check next

• Keep protective packaging intact.
• Retain supplier and lot identity for packaging materials.

Sources

• FSA MyHACCP: prerequisite requirements

How we research and review answers

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