Food manufacturers put enormous effort into preventing foreign materials from entering their products. Ingredients, equipment, processing areas and packaging are carefully monitored.
But what about the pallet?
A recent bread recall provides an unusual reminder that pallets themselves can be a potential source of foreign material.
In August 2026, Grand Central Bakery recalled certain loaves of Potato Sourdough Bread because of the potential presence of metal. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the recall was initiated after a pallet nail was discovered in a loaf of bread.
Fortunately, no injuries or illnesses were reported.
But what about the pallet?
A recent bread recall provides an unusual reminder that pallets themselves can be a potential source of foreign material.
In August 2026, Grand Central Bakery recalled certain loaves of Potato Sourdough Bread because of the potential presence of metal. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the recall was initiated after a pallet nail was discovered in a loaf of bread.
Fortunately, no injuries or illnesses were reported.
Pallets Are Part of the Manufacturing Environment
Wood pallets are used successfully throughout the supply chain every day. But in food manufacturing and other cleanliness-sensitive environments, it's worth considering what the pallet itself brings into the facility.
Depending on their construction and condition, wood pallets can introduce:
• Nails and other metal fasteners
• Splinters and loose wood
• Broken or damaged boards
• Dirt and debris trapped in rough surfaces
• Additional foreign material as pallets become damaged or deteriorate
For manufacturers with strict sanitation and foreign-material-control programs, pallets deserve consideration along with the other materials entering the facility.
Depending on their construction and condition, wood pallets can introduce:
• Nails and other metal fasteners
• Splinters and loose wood
• Broken or damaged boards
• Dirt and debris trapped in rough surfaces
• Additional foreign material as pallets become damaged or deteriorate
For manufacturers with strict sanitation and foreign-material-control programs, pallets deserve consideration along with the other materials entering the facility.
Eliminating Some Risks by Design
Corrugated pallets are constructed differently.
A properly designed corrugated pallet requires no nails or metal fasteners. There are no wooden deck boards to splinter or break apart.
That doesn't mean corrugated pallets are right for every application, and pallet selection is only one small part of a comprehensive food-safety program.
But eliminating certain materials from the pallet's construction also eliminates them as potential sources of pallet-related foreign material.
For food, beverage, pharmaceutical and other cleanliness-sensitive applications, that's worth considering.
A properly designed corrugated pallet requires no nails or metal fasteners. There are no wooden deck boards to splinter or break apart.
That doesn't mean corrugated pallets are right for every application, and pallet selection is only one small part of a comprehensive food-safety program.
But eliminating certain materials from the pallet's construction also eliminates them as potential sources of pallet-related foreign material.
For food, beverage, pharmaceutical and other cleanliness-sensitive applications, that's worth considering.
The Pallet Is More Than a Shipping Platform
Pallet selection is often reduced to two questions: How much does it cost, and how much weight can it hold?
The actual application is more complicated.
Pallets may travel through production areas, warehouses and distribution centers. Their design should account for the product being carried, load configuration, material-handling equipment, storage conditions and the environment in which they'll be used.
Corrugated pallets can be engineered around those specific conditions rather than treating every application the same.
They also offer additional benefits including low weight, recyclability and exemption from the ISPM 15 requirements that apply to regulated solid-wood packaging used in international shipping.
The actual application is more complicated.
Pallets may travel through production areas, warehouses and distribution centers. Their design should account for the product being carried, load configuration, material-handling equipment, storage conditions and the environment in which they'll be used.
Corrugated pallets can be engineered around those specific conditions rather than treating every application the same.
They also offer additional benefits including low weight, recyclability and exemption from the ISPM 15 requirements that apply to regulated solid-wood packaging used in international shipping.
A Small Component Can Create a Big Problem
The recent bread recall is an extreme example, but it illustrates an important point.
Something as small and ordinary as a pallet nail can become a much larger issue when it ends up somewhere it doesn't belong.
For manufacturers evaluating ways to reduce foreign-material risks within their facilities, the pallet may be worth another look.
GreenLabel Packaging designs custom corrugated pallets around the product, handling environment and distribution requirements of each application.
Interested in finding out whether corrugated pallets make sense for your application? Contact GreenLabel Packaging to discuss your requirements.
Something as small and ordinary as a pallet nail can become a much larger issue when it ends up somewhere it doesn't belong.
For manufacturers evaluating ways to reduce foreign-material risks within their facilities, the pallet may be worth another look.
GreenLabel Packaging designs custom corrugated pallets around the product, handling environment and distribution requirements of each application.
Interested in finding out whether corrugated pallets make sense for your application? Contact GreenLabel Packaging to discuss your requirements.
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