Are there any special considerations when storing or transporting organic products?

Learn the key considerations for storing organic food and how we do it. According to Global Organics, there are fewer than 100 non-organic substances that can be used during organic food processing. Unfortunately, some companies prefer to claim that their product is organic rather than taking the proper steps to do so. For a product to be considered truly organic, the entire process, including all logistical considerations, must comply with a specific process from start to finish.

If you intend to set up your own organic storage operation, cold storage both in the warehouse and on the road is an absolute must. In other words, setting up an organic warehouse benefits you, your customers and the end consumer at the same time. Organic processes and procedures, such as warehousing and distribution, add another level of complexity to the supply chain conundrum. Therefore, an organic warehouse is a facility that has implemented the policies and procedures recommended by the USDA to ensure the integrity of the products stored in it.

According to Blue Weave Consulting Group, nearly 75% of all U.S. grocery stores sell organic products. Since certified organic products require the preservation of identity and compliance with regulations from farm to shelf, a certified organic warehouse is a fundamental part of connecting that chain. Because the list of additives, chemicals, and other materials that an organic product can come into contact with is so restrictive, by comparison, its shelf life is extremely limited.

For example, shipping and distribution activities require a set of safety measures to ensure that raw materials and finished products are not cross-contaminated by non-organic transport. With the right storage and distribution controls, a 3PL that offers organic storage services, such as Symbia Logistics, can greatly expand the scalability of an SME, giving them access to markets that were previously considered unreachable. Even storage and handling methods have the potential to contaminate products that would otherwise be organic if they come into close contact. The organic food industry is in a period of rapid expansion, and all indicators point to sustained growth for the rest of the decade.