Implementing Continuous Improvement Programs in Corn Storage Warehouses
Culiacan, Sinaloa. – It is essential that, during corn storage and preservation in warehouses, control and monitoring programs are implemented for temperature and humidity, not only to ensure product quality but also to maintain hygiene and prevent health risks for both people and animals who may consume it. Some critical issues cannot be detected at first glance; one of the most significant is the presence of mycotoxins, produced by certain fungi that can develop in grains under unfavorable conditions.
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Their occurrence is mostly linked to humidity, temperature, and a lack of cleanliness in storage areas. For this reason, the most important practices include:
- Ensuring that the grain intended for storage has a moisture level not greater than 15%.
- Proper temperature is of about 25°C.
- It is also essential to keep facilities clean, with no residues from previous harvests, dust, or the presence of pests, as all of these factors contribute to contamination.
It is therefore necessary to periodically review the condition of the stored grain, verifying that there are no unusual odors, change of color, or heating within silos or piles. Product rotation, insect and rodent control, and the proper condition of roofs and walls are also part of responsible management. In short, storage must be understood as an active process that requires consistent attention.
To ensure these practices are truly followed, internal audits play a key role. An internal audit should not be seen as a punitive or rigid inspection, but rather as a tool for improvement. It allows companies to identify failures, risks, or areas of opportunity before they turn into major problems. Thanks to these reviews, a company may correct deviations, strengthen controls, and maintain better organization in its operations. This generates greater trust both within the organization and among clients and business partners, as it demonstrates a commitment to quality and safety.
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It is important that warehouses, while conducting physical and documentary reviews of their processes, adhere to the criteria established in NOM-247-SSA1-2008 and NOM-251-SSA1-2009 (The Mexican mandatory technical regulations) for grain storage and handling, as well as the best hygiene practices during the process. They must also comply with health and safety criteria set by the Ministry of Labor and Welfare (STPS). This way, the purpose is not only to offer high-quality grain but also to protect the staff working in the facilities and safeguard the environment.
Recently, Veggies From Mexico is collaborating with the Culiacan Growers Association (AARC) in implementing an internal audit process and supporting the execution of a continuous improvement work plan for their operations, ensuring compliance with the above-stated criteria.
