Diseases that are zoonotic, spreading between animals and humans, are riddled throughout history. Aids, Ebola, SARS, and the eradicated Smallpox are just a few examples. And as of a few months ago, we can add another dangerous player to this list: Coronavirus.  

This virus that quickly swept the world is thought to have originated in Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan China. With animals stacked in cages, entrails splattered on surfaces, and just a general lack of sanitation, a new animal virus could have easily originated here. This connection doesn’t just put these markets under fire but brings food safety in general into the spotlight. During these precocious times, you want to make sure your business is preventing, not adding to the problem. The best way to do this is to ensure that you are following all the FDA regulations for Food Safety.  This is where FSMA comes in.

FSMA, or the Food Safety Modernization Act, has specific guidelines that apply to businesses that transport food within the U.S. According to these new rules, businesses must ensure that the compartments in their vehicles that the food is held in are properly pre-cooled and cleaned. They also need to be able to prove that they have maintained temperature conditions during transport. Although these may seem like unnecessary requirements, there are several important consequences of not fulfilling them. The FDA and Department of Transportation will be conducting inspections, and if your vehicles are not compliant, enforcement action will be taken. Since these new rules were already expected to be implemented years ago, it would save you time and energy to comply immediately. Improper food handling could also cause great harm to humans. Bacteria and other pathogens are known to affect foods that aren’t properly cooled. This could lead to sickness and death, damaging the image of your company forever. 

So what is the best way to avoid all of this? Phenix is currently offering Gruau products that will help ensure that your business meets the requirements. IsoTemp van kits, professionally sized reefer units, and temperature monitoring are all available for your vans. Adding these elements to your fleet is the simplest and most convenient way to ensure food safety. 

By making your vans in compliance with FSMA, you are able to utilize them in the most efficient ways. During this time, people might be absent due to the pandemic, and trucks will be inevitably delayed with the lack of access to highway services. These are where the benefits of your van come into play. With these vehicles, there is no special license required. This means that anyone would be able to drive them and safely transport the food. Sourcing additional drivers means more efficiency and less unpredictability with your business success. Vans also have an easier time traveling than larger trucks. If one of your trucks is delayed, a van could assist by making smaller trips to understocked grocery stores. 

During this highly uncertain time, it is important that your business is following proper food handling rules that will ensure the safety of your customers and compliance with FSMA. 

Contact Phenix to inquire about the essential Gruau products.