Plastic Pallet

Makers

Fire Back


REMEMBER a few months ago, when the trade group for wood pallet makers charged that plastic pallets are a fire hazard?

The war of words is continuing today, says Don Loepp, writing in Plastics News, with a company that provides a pool of all-plastic pallets calling on the U.S. Food & Drug Administration to "launch a comprehensive investigation of wood pallets and the risks they may pose to the nation's food supply."

"Wood pallets may present a serious risk to America's food supply. The over 1 billion wood pallets in circulation in the U.S. are a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and carry other undesirable substances that can cross-contaminate food," said Bob Moore, chairman and CEO, of Intelligent Global Pooling Systems Co. LLC in Orlando, Fla.

"Wood is inherently porous and can easily absorb bacteria and fluids, creating a risk for food products where Listeria, E. coli and salmonella are a concern," he said.

Moore pointed out other issues with wood pallets -- but nothing really new, since plastic pallet makers have been making this case against wood for years.