Food Safety & Quality Assurance

Last reviewed: November 2025

At Foodpile, food safety is our highest priority. We are committed to delivering fresh, high-quality, and safe food products to your doorstep. Our comprehensive food safety program ensures that every product meets the highest standards of quality and hygiene.

We maintain strict quality control measures from farm to your family's table, ensuring that all products are handled, stored, and delivered under optimal conditions. Our team is trained in food safety protocols, and we regularly audit our processes to maintain the highest standards.

We partner only with trusted farmers, producers, and suppliers who share our commitment to food safety and quality.

1.1 Supplier Requirements

• All suppliers must have valid food handling certifications
• Regular facility inspections and audits
• Compliance with NAFDAC and SON standards
• Traceability systems for all products
• Proper documentation and quality assurance protocols

1.2 Local Sourcing Priority

• 80% of our produce comes from local Nigerian farms
• Direct partnerships eliminate middlemen and reduce handling
• Shorter supply chain means fresher products
• Support for local agriculture and economy

Our state-of-the-art storage facilities maintain optimal conditions for different product categories to ensure maximum freshness and safety.

2.1 Temperature Control

• Chilled storage: 0-4°C for dairy & meats
• Frozen storage: -18°C for frozen products
• Ambient storage: Climate-controlled for dry goods
• 24/7 temperature monitoring and logging

2.2 Hygiene Protocols

• Daily sanitation of all storage areas
• Staff hygiene training and certification
• Regular equipment maintenance and calibration
• Comprehensive pest control measures

2.3 Product Segregation

• Raw and cooked products stored separately
• Allergen management protocols
• First-in-first-out (FIFO) inventory system
• Regular quality checks and stock rotation

Our delivery process is designed to maintain product integrity and safety from our facility to your doorstep.

3.1 Delivery Vehicle Standards

• Refrigerated vehicles for temperature-sensitive items
• Regular vehicle maintenance and cleaning schedules
• Temperature monitoring during transit
• Secure packaging to prevent contamination and damage

3.2 Delivery Personnel

• Food safety training for all delivery staff
• Regular health checks and certification
• Proper hygiene and uniform standards
• Contactless delivery options available

Multiple quality checkpoints ensure that only the best products make it to your order.

4.1 Inspection Stages

• Supplier Level: Pre-shipment quality checks
• Receiving: Inspection upon arrival at our facility
• Storage: Regular quality monitoring during storage
• Packing: Final check before dispatch to customers

4.2 Quality Parameters

• Freshness indicators and shelf life verification
• Color, appearance, and visual quality assessment
• Texture, firmness, and physical condition
• Smell, aroma, and sensory evaluation
• Package integrity and labeling accuracy
• Expiry date verification and batch tracking
• Temperature compliance throughout the chain
• Weight and quantity accuracy checks

4.3 Rejection Criteria

• Products past expiry dates or best-before dates
• Damaged, torn, or compromised packaging
• Signs of spoilage, mold, or contamination
• Temperature abuse indicators
• Poor quality or substandard appearance
• Incorrect labeling or missing information

5.1 Meat & Poultry

• Sourced from approved abattoirs and processors
• Proper chilling immediately after processing
• Vacuum-sealed packaging to prevent contamination
• Clear expiry date labeling and storage instructions
• Separate handling from other product categories

5.2 Seafood

• Daily delivery from trusted fish markets and suppliers
• Ice-packed during transportation to maintain freshness
• Freshness verified by trained quality staff
• Quick processing and packaging to minimize handling
• Strict temperature control throughout the chain

5.3 Fruits & Vegetables

• Direct from farm to reduce handling and time delays
• Proper washing and cleaning procedures
• Quality grading and sorting by trained personnel
• Breathable packaging for optimal fresh produce storage
• Regular quality checks for ripeness and condition

5.4 Dairy & Eggs

• Continuous cold chain maintenance from source to delivery
• Regular temperature monitoring and documentation
• Batch code tracking for complete traceability
• Proper stacking and handling to prevent damage
• Frequent quality checks for freshness and integrity

Here's how you can maintain food safety after your delivery arrives:

6.1 Upon Delivery

• Check packaging for any damage, tears, or tampering
• Verify that chilled items are cold to touch upon arrival
• Frozen items should be solid with no signs of thawing
• Inspect products for freshness and quality
• Report any concerns immediately to our customer service

6.2 Storage Guidelines

• Refrigerator (0-4°C): Dairy products, fresh meats, prepared foods, leftovers
• Freezer (-18°C): Frozen meats, seafood, ice cream, frozen vegetables
• Pantry (Cool & Dry): Dry goods, canned foods, grains, spices
• Always follow storage instructions on product packaging
• Maintain proper refrigerator and freezer temperatures

6.3 Preparation Tips

• Wash hands thoroughly before handling food
• Use separate cutting boards for raw and cooked foods
• Cook meats to recommended internal temperatures
• Wash fruits and vegetables under running water
• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking
• Avoid cross-contamination between different food types

We are committed to providing clear allergen information to help you make safe food choices.

7.1 Labeling Standards

• Clear allergen statements on product pages and packaging
• Complete ingredient lists for all packaged products
• Cross-contamination warnings where applicable
• Nutritional information available upon request
• Regular updates to reflect formulation changes

7.2 Common Allergens

• Milk and dairy products
• Eggs and egg products
• Fish, shellfish, and crustaceans
• Tree nuts and peanuts
• Wheat, gluten, and cereal products
• Soy and soy products
• Sesame seeds and products
• Sulphites and preservatives

In the unlikely event of a product recall, we have established procedures to ensure customer safety and swift resolution.

8.1 Our Recall Process

• Immediate removal of affected products from inventory
• Direct notification to customers who purchased affected items
• Full refund or replacement for recalled products
• Thorough investigation to determine root cause
• Implementation of corrective and preventive actions
• Cooperation with regulatory authorities as required

8.2 Customer Notification

• Email and SMS alerts to affected customers
• Website announcements and banner notifications
• Social media updates and public announcements
• Customer service hotline activation
• Press releases for significant recalls

Your safety is our priority. If you have any concerns about product quality or safety, we're here to help immediately.

9.1 Report a Safety Concern

• Contact us within 24 hours of delivery for best resolution
• Provide clear photos of the product and packaging
• Include your order number and product details
• Describe the specific safety concern in detail
• Keep the product refrigerated if it's perishable

9.2 Contact Methods

• Phone: 01-700-FOOD (3663) - Business Hours
• WhatsApp: +234 800 000 0000 - 24/7
• Live Chat: Available on website and mobile app
• Email: support@foodpile.shop
• Emergency Line: 0800-FOOD-SAFE (Urgent issues only)

9.3 Response Time Commitment

• Phone/WhatsApp: Immediate response during business hours
• Live Chat: Under 2 minutes response time
• Email: Within 4 hours during business days
• Emergency Line: 24/7 for urgent safety concerns