Food Production Racking

Racking for Food Production Facilities

Food production facilities handle stock that most standard racking systems weren't built for. Chilled and frozen goods, short shelf life ingredients, allergen-controlled products and high-turnover packaged stock all bring different handling, hygiene and rotation requirements, often within the same site.

Standard pallet racking rarely covers this on its own, which is why most food production warehouses combine racking types and finishes suited to ambient, chilled and frozen zones.

Logical Storage Solutions designs and installs racking systems around this mix of stock and storage conditions, rather than applying a single racking format across the whole site.

As a result, our racking and shelving experts can deliver a storage solution built around how your facility actually operates, including FIFO stock rotation and hygiene compliance.

We can provide the design, supply, installation and inspection of your chosen solution.

Food Production Racking UK FAQs

We’ve answered some of the most popular questions about pallet racking for food production companies below.

For any other queries, or to get a free quote, please call us on 0845 689 1300.

What Type Of Racking Is Best For Food Production Facilities?

Selective pallet racking is the most common choice for food production because it gives direct access to every pallet and suits fast stock turnover. Where floor space is limited or high-density storage is needed, drive-in or push back racking works well for single-SKU bulk storage. Facilities running strict stock rotation often pair racking with pallet flow or FIFO tunnel systems to ensure oldest stock is picked first.

Does Food Production Racking Need To Meet HACCP Or BRC Standards?

Racking itself isn't HACCP or BRC certified, but it needs to support a facility's compliance with these standards. That means smooth, easy-clean surfaces, no exposed ledges where debris can collect, and coatings that resist corrosion and repeated washdown. Galvanised or powder-coated finishes are typically specified to meet hygiene requirements during BRCGS audits.

What Racking Is Suitable For Cold Storage and Chilled Food Production?

Cold storage racking needs galvanised steel or corrosion-resistant coatings to withstand condensation, temperature cycling and regular washdown, and it needs to perform reliably from ambient through to frozen (-18°C to -25°C) environments. Drive-in racking is common in cold stores because it maximises pallet density in expensive refrigerated space, while heavier reinforcement is used to withstand faster operator speeds in low-temperature aisles.

How Does Racking Support FIFO Stock Rotation In Food Warehouses?

FIFO (first in, first out) rotation is essential for perishable and date-coded stock. Drive-in and pallet flow racking are designed specifically for this: pallets load at one end and are picked from the other, so older stock is always used first without manual reorganisation. This reduces waste, supports traceability and helps meet food safety audit requirements around stock control.

What Load Capacity Is Needed For Food Production Racking?

Load capacity depends on pallet weight, product density and whether stock is ambient, chilled or frozen. Heavy-duty pallet racking is generally specified in food production to withstand frequent loading, cleaning cycles and the demands of high-throughput picking. A site survey and load assessment is the best way to confirm the correct beam and frame specification for a facility's actual stock profile.

How Often Should Food Production Racking Be Inspected? 

Racking in food production environments should be visually checked regularly by warehouse staff, with a formal inspection carried out by a competent person at least every 12 months, in line with HSE and SEMA guidance.

Facilities with high pallet turnover, frequent washdown or cold storage conditions often benefit from more frequent checks, since corrosion and impact damage can develop faster in these settings.