Why food (even if packaged) can’t be left on the floor or on soft surfaces?

There are 2 main reasons why food is not allowed to be stored on the floor or soft surfaces:

1. Preventing dirt on the floor or soft surfaces from contaminating food
2. Preventing pests from contaminating food

Preventing dirt on the floor or soft surfaces from contaminating food

Floors both inside and outside the house quickly accumulate dirt. This can contaminate any food that is not packaged.

Preventing pests from contaminating food

Pests such as mice and insects can smell and chew through food packaging and they can find their way through any box that isn’t sealed (like a stacking crate). Therefore, leaving food on the floor, even in packaging, can cause contamination. While it is possible for pests to climb onto surfaces, avoiding leaving food on the floor is a considerable deterrent and a basic food safety requirement.

❌Food crates are not sealed, allowing pests to contaminate food if left directly on the floor