Biozone

Icon-facebook Linkedin-in Instagram Youtube Tiktok

The Power of Ozone in Distribution Centers

Cold Room storage facilities dosed with ozone in transit between the grower and on the shelves will prevent bacteria and mould growth. The old saying, “One bad apple spoils the bunch“, is very relevant when storing or transporting fresh vegetables or fruit. Maintaining the freshness and quality of perishable goods is paramount in the dynamic world of distribution centres. One revolutionary solution that has been making waves is the use of ozone distribution centres.

Since the early 2000s, the Shoprite/ Freshmark Group in South Africa has been using ozone gas supplied by Biozone Manufacturing to introduce ozone gas into the cold rooms, which house the fresh produce in transit, to enhance the quality of the product and extend the shelf life. By harnessing the power of ozone, Biozone’s solution eliminates harmful pathogens, bacteria, and odours in cold rooms.

 

This breakthrough technology not only improved the overall hygiene of the facility but also minimised the risk of cross-contamination, thus safeguarding the integrity of the fresh produce. Applying ozone gas at set doses to fresh fruit and vegetables in Distribution Centres, transit or storage will extend shelf life by as much as one week. Our ozone solutions have been implemented in various areas across South Africa, including Cilmor Cape Town, Durban, Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth, Polokwane, Centurion, and more.

Ozone is increasingly used in fresh food preparation due to its ability to safely extend shelf life and maintain quality. When applied in cold rooms or refrigerators, ozone gas provides a natural, “organic” alternative to chemical treatments like chlorine dioxide or formaldehyde, allowing products to retain an organic label. It helps control fungus, mould, bacteria, and ethylene, dramatically reducing the spread of germs on meats, fish, fruits, and vegetables, while preventing bacterial slime from growing on produce and refrigeration surfaces that can lead to cross-contamination.

 

By eliminating ethylene — a plant hormone that accelerates ripening and aging in leaves, flowers, and fruit — ozone slows spoilage and preserves freshness. It also neutralises residual herbicides such as linuron, which, if left on vegetables like baby carrots, can render a shipment unsellable. In addition, ozone prevents the growth of cockroaches and other insects, controls mould in high-condensation environments like cheese ripening or sausage curing, and curbs the proliferation of pathogens such as Salmonella in grain storage.

 

Its application extends to fungus prevention, odour control, and even mitigating viral contamination; for example, during the Covid-19 crisis, ozone helped address viral residues on packaged meat surfaces. Ozone is also commonly used in shipping containers, combined with carbon dioxide, temperature, and humidity monitoring, to maintain a controlled, safe environment for transporting fresh fruit and vegetables.

The use Power of ozone in distribution centres has revolutionised how fresh produce is handled and preserved. Freshmark/Shoprite Management have recognised that in the interest of the retail outlets and in the eyes of their customers, fresh and clean vegetables are vital to customer loyalty and, therefore, viability in the very competitive “ fresh food industry”.

 

Biozone Manufacturing South Africa, in partnership with Freshmark Shoprite, has showcased the power of ozone in maintaining freshness, enhancing quality, and extending the shelf life of perishable goods. With the successful implementation of cold storage air purification solutions throughout the country, Biozone Manufacturing has solidified its position as an industry leader in cold room purification.

 

As distribution centres strive to optimise their operations, ozone technology emerges as a game-changer in ensuring the delivery of fresh and high-quality produce to consumers.

Solverwp- WordPress Theme and Plugin