3000 Commodity Storage, Handling, And Shipping

All USDA-donated foods must be handled, stored and shipped under conditions that ensure their quality and safety. The care taken in the storage, handling and shipping of USDA products shall be no different than care taken with any other food products on the market. This section is intended to provide product information and requirements which must be observed in the storage, handling and shipping of USDA commodities.

3100 General Food Handling Requirements

Maintaining correct temperature, humidity and sanitary conditions are three of the most important factors to insure proper care for the product(s). All foods should be handled, stored and cared for in such a manner as to allow only good usable products to reach the recipients. The following handling requirements must be followed:

1. Federal, state and local health and sanitation standards must be met in the shipping, storing, handling, and distributing of food.
   
   
2. Storage and distribution areas must be climate controlled and organized to ensure that food will not become damaged as a result of improper storage and care.
   
   
3. Product packages must never be opened by participating organizations for the purpose of repackaging to distribute for home consumption.