Shelf Life Matters: Best Practices for Storing Perishable Goods in Warehouses

Quick Summary

Temperature and humidity controls dramatically impact shelf life.
FIFO stock rotation and effective inventory management reduce spoilage.
Compliance with FSANZ and TGA standards is critical.
Technology like IoT monitoring significantly boosts efficiency.
Cold chain transport and food-grade warehousing improve reliability and safety.

Why Proper Perishable Goods Storage Matters

Incorrect storage of perishable goods leads to product spoilage, regulatory breaches, damaged reputations, and financial losses. Whether handling fresh produce, dairy products, pharmaceuticals, or cosmetics, consistent storage conditions directly affect shelf life and overall product integrity.

Essential Storage Practices

1. Temperature Management

Correct temperature control is crucial:

Chilled goods: 0–4°C (meats, dairy)
Pharmaceuticals: Constant 2–8°C as per TGA regulations
Frozen goods: ≤ −18°C (frozen food items)

Maintaining temperature zones within approved limits ensures products remain safe and compliant. Warehouses should be equipped with accurate temperature controls and monitored continuously.

2. Humidity Control

Managing humidity prevents mould and extends freshness:

Leafy greens: Ideal at 90–98% RH
General produce: Best at 85–95% RH

Humidity spikes can shorten shelf life. Proper airflow, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers all play a role in protecting goods from excess moisture or drying out.

3. Inventory Rotation – FIFO & FEFO

Using “First-In, First-Out” (FIFO) and “First-Expiry, First-Out” (FEFO) methods helps reduce waste and avoid expired stock. These practices should be supported by barcode scanning, real-time tracking, and expiry-based inventory systems.

4. Advanced Monitoring Technology

Digital tools reduce human error and support quality assurance:

IoT sensors for real-time temperature and humidity data
Cloud-based dashboards for alerts and trend analysis
Thermal mapping to identify and fix storage inconsistencies

Implementing this technology helps reduce spoilage and meet audit requirements.

5. Regulatory Compliance

Warehouses storing perishable goods must comply with:

FSANZ standards – for food safety, including temperature control below 5°C
TGA Good Wholesaling Practice – for pharmaceuticals, maintaining a reliable 2–8°C cold chain

These regulations form the baseline for operational procedures, storage conditions, and record-keeping.

For a deeper understanding of cold-chain compliance, see Cold Chain Guidelines for Refrigerated Transport.

Reducing Waste Through Better Practices

Australian businesses lose billions annually due to food spoilage—much of it preventable with better warehousing. Maintaining stable temperature and humidity, rotating stock effectively, and digitising inventory management can significantly cut losses.

Proper warehouse practices also improve distribution performance. Learn more in The Benefits of Warehousing Services.

Perth-Specific Considerations

WA’s climate and regional distances present unique challenges for perishable storage. From transport to storage, businesses must factor in local heat, long transit times, and strict quality requirements.

Explore more guidance in our Guide to Warehouse Logistics or start streamlining your delivery and storage through our Warehouse Distribution Services.

Partner with Bossna Logistics

We are your warehousing partner in Perth. Bossna Logistics offers:

Flexible short-term and long-term storage options
Food-grade and pharmaceutical-ready warehouse facilities
Integrated refrigerated transport and container unpacking
24/7 monitored conditions and tailored service

Let us handle your storage and logistics while you focus on growing your business. Get in touch to arrange a solution tailored to your perishable goods.

Managing Director of Bossna Logistics, Anthony has vast experience and skills in operations management, warehouse management, 3PL and supply chain and management.