Yes, a galvanized undershelf can hold packaged food, sealed containers, pans and dry goods, as long as the shelf sits at least 6 inches off the floor. What the FDA Food Code does not allow is galvanized metal as a food-contact surface for acidic food, so unwrapped tomatoes, citrus, pickles, dressings and marinades should never sit directly on it.
Shop the equipment in this article: wire shelving, dunnage racks and wall shelves. Freight is included on every order.
What the Food Code says
Three sections of the FDA Food Code answer this question. The wording below is from Virginia’s adoption of the Food Code, which reproduces the FDA text.
- Galvanized metal (section 4-101.15): galvanized metal may not be used for utensils or food-contact surfaces of equipment that are used in contact with acidic food.
- Food-contact surface (definitions): a surface food normally touches, or a surface from which food may drain, drip or splash into food or onto a surface that touches food.
- Food storage (section 3-305.11): food must be stored in a clean, dry place, not exposed to splash or dust, and at least 6 inches above the floor. Food in packages may sit lower on case lot handling equipment, and cased food in waterproof containers such as bottles or cans, pressurized drink containers and milk in plastic crates may sit on a clean floor that is not exposed to moisture.
The Food Code also asks that nonfood-contact surfaces exposed to splash or spills be corrosion resistant, nonabsorbent and smooth (section 4-101.19). Your local health department has the final say on how these rules apply in your kitchen.
What that means for an undershelf
Most undershelves, including the ones on our commercial work tables, are storage, not prep surfaces. A box of canned tomatoes, a lidded food storage container or a stack of sheet pans does not put food in contact with the shelf. That use is normal on a galvanized undershelf.
The shelf becomes a food-contact surface when unwrapped food touches it, or when something drips from it onto food. That is where the acidic food rule bites. A tray of sliced lemons set straight on galvanized steel, or a leaking tub of salsa, is the problem case.
The 6 inch question
The undershelf height matters more than the metal. Many tables let you set the undershelf at different heights. If you drop it low to make room for tall stock pots, check that anything holding food is still at least 6 inches above the floor. A low shelf is fine for empty pans, clean bus tubs or tools, but not for open food or food in non-waterproof packaging.
When to choose stainless instead
Galvanized steel is a coating on steel. In wet, salty or acidic areas it can wear and corrode over time, and a corroded shelf is hard to keep clean. Our own product pages make the same point: the all-stainless table is described as the choice for wet, salty or acidic areas such as seafood prep, dish rooms and walk-ins, where galvanized legs can corrode.
Choose a stainless undershelf when the table:
- Sits next to a dish machine, a three compartment sink or an ice machine.
- Holds brine, marinades, citrus or pickled products underneath.
- Gets hosed down or mopped around every night.
- Stands in a walk-in cooler.
For dry storage, packaged goods and a dry prep line, a galvanized undershelf does the job at a lower cost.
Our tables side by side
Here is how our own tables compare by what is under the top:
- Our everyday work table with an adjustable undershelf has an 18 gauge type 430 stainless steel top. Its page states that only the top is stainless; the legs, frame and undershelf are galvanized. It comes in 31 sizes, from 24 x 12 to 72 x 30 in.
- Our work table with a 1.5 in. backsplash has an 18 gauge stainless top and a full length galvanized undershelf, in 14 sizes.
- Our all stainless work table has a stainless top, legs, feet and undershelf with no galvanized parts. It stands 35 in. high and comes in 8 sizes from 30 x 30 to 72 x 30 in.
Habits that keep it simple
- Keep unwrapped food on the stainless top or in food-grade containers, never loose on the undershelf.
- Put acidic foods in lidded containers before they go underneath.
- Wipe spills on galvanized steel the same day and let the shelf dry.
- Check the shelf height after anyone moves it.
- Use a dunnage rack for heavy cases that would otherwise end up on the floor.
What to buy
- For dry areas: the work table with an adjustable galvanized undershelf.
- For wet, salty or acidic areas: the all stainless work table.
- Lidded food storage containers sized for the undershelf.
- A dunnage rack or wire shelving for bulk cases.
Freight to the 48 contiguous states is included in the price on every product page.