Out of sight shouldn’t mean out of mind, especially when it comes to outdoor storage and trash collection areas at your food or beverage facility.
That “temporary” collection zone full of pallets, empty drums, rusting pipes, totes, and trash bags? It’s not just an eyesore, it’s a red flag.
Here’s why this matters:
– Rodent & Insect Attraction: Piles of idle materials provide perfect shelter and nesting grounds for pests. You’re not just inviting them, you’re giving them real estate.
– EPA & Stormwater Violations: If those drums once held oil, chemicals, or food-grade lubricants, and haven’t been properly triple-rinsed, you’re now at risk for runoff violations that could lead to heavy fines or shutdowns.
– Regulatory and Customer Perception: Whether it’s an FDA inspection, a customer audit, or a curious passerby, visible neglect undermines your commitment to sanitation and operational excellence.
– Brand Damage: If it looks unmanaged outside, what assumptions will be made about the inside of your plant?
Your Action Step:
Walk your facility today. If you see a makeshift collection zone, own it.
Assign a team to clean it up and set a policy that prevents it from reappearing.
Temporary doesn’t mean permanent.
Order outside reflects control inside. Start there.
This Is an AI generated image.
#FoodSafety #Sanitation #PestControl #StormwaterCompliance #EPA #OperationalExcellence #FacilityManagement #PreventiveActions #AuditReadiness #FoodManufacturing #EnvironmentalHealth #RodentPrevention #IndustrialSanitation #GMP #LeadershipInAction
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