Lagerhygiene

Lagerhygiene is the management of cleanliness, sanitation, and hygiene in storage facilities and warehouses. It aims to protect product quality and safety, prevent contamination, and support efficient operations. The concept applies across industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and consumer goods, covering facilities and staff practices.

Key elements include a documented cleaning and sanitation program with schedules, methods, and verification. Routine cleaning of floors, shelves, pallets, and equipment is supplemented by periodic deep cleaning. Cleaning agents should suit stored products, with proper rinsing and drying; verification may include visual checks and tests.

Pest control is essential, featuring preventive measures, regular monitoring, and prompt action for rodents and insects. Maintain storage conditions (temperature, humidity, ventilation) according to product needs. Use stock rotation (FIFO) and routine inspections to detect leaks, moisture, or contamination.

Facility and equipment hygiene covers floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, waste handling, and drainage. Pallets, packaging, and equipment should be clean, dry, and in good repair to minimize contamination risk. Waste management involves proper disposal, labeling, and timely removal.

Personnel hygiene and practices reduce contamination risk. Training, access controls, clean changing facilities, handwashing, protective clothing, and illness reporting are common requirements. Safe storage and labeling of chemicals is necessary to avoid cross-contamination with stored products.

Compliance and documentation: Lagerhygiene programs align with GMP, HACCP, ISO 22000, and other standards. Recordkeeping for cleaning, inspections, pest monitoring, temperature logs, and corrective actions supports audits and continuous improvement.