Experts Prolong the Shelf Life of Food with Ozone

Have you ever wondered how your fruits and vegetables arrive at the grocery store in such excellent shape? While refrigeration and fast transport from grower to warehouse have something to do with it, the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture reveals that ozone has actually a lot to do with it. When warehouse managers want to prolong shelf life of food products they sell, ozone has proven to be safe and effective.
At the heart of the problem is “microbial contamination or visual, textural and nutritional quality loss.” While it is possible to use a variety of treatments to make fresh fruits and vegetables look more attractive, it is not possible to undo decay, rot and a loss of taste. This is where ozone makes the difference. Choosing the right machine for a warehouse does not have to be complicated. For example, the Rainbowair 1000 Series II features variable ozone output options and easily handles a treatable area measuring 10,000 square feet.
For the smaller warehouse owner who has varying inventories from day to day, the QT Hurricane may be more appropriate. This machine offers a seven-day programmable timer that spans all six cycles. In so doing, the treatment is always appropriate with the quantity of product in mind.
So, how do food storage facilities and distribution warehouses apply the benefits of ozone?
• Multiple applications. Whether you store citrus, onions, assorted vegetables or potatoes, ozone prolongs the shelf life of these food items.
• Ozone uses. Do you store your product in separate storage containers? Treat them with low ozone levels to keep the food fresh. Distribution of the ozone removes mold and bacteria throughout the facility. It prevents the growth of microbes on all products.
• Combination options. When combined with cold storage, ozone effectively controls any airborne microbes.
But there are also other reasons for companies – big and small – to consider the use of ozone in their warehouse settings. First and foremost, the produce remains fresh for shipping. Secondly, it is possible to increase the ozone levels in non-inhabited locations in between storage usage to disinfect the room setting. If the warehouse is used to store different fruits and vegetables at different times, ozone removes the odors associated with one product or another. Not having your warehouse smell strongly of onions is a plus when you are storing apples.
There are plenty of other reasons to rely on ozone for your warehouse environment. Contact us at Queenaire technologies for more information and to get started on your order.