How Shelving Systems Are Critical To Organic Warehouses

It is easy to assume a certain degree of uniformity when it comes to fulfilment centres and warehouses, and whilst this can be true to a degree, particularly within larger organisations, some sectors have very specific demands for their metal racking shelves.

One of the most interesting examples of this is the world of organic fulfilment, particularly for companies based wholly or partly in Europe, as well as companies that regularly trade produce in and out of the European Union.

Whilst the definition of organic produce can vary by region, the rules, the EU have one of the most comprehensive sets of rules defining the requirements for food and perishables, including a rigid set of certifications for how food certified as organic is stored in order to avoid contamination.

This means that shelving and racking systems are pivotal to every part of the storage and supply chain process for which the particular distribution centre plays a part. Here are a few examples as to why.

Suitable Materials

Bins, containers, boxes and pallets that are used to store food must be made of materials that are suitable to make contact with the food they are set to store, as well as prevent potential contamination from environmental pathogens, vermin, insects and even birds.

This also includes shelving, both in terms of being less vulnerable to contamination in its own right and being versatile enough to comfortably and safely fit a wide range of containers in a way that is suitable.

Separation

Organic storage areas must have barriers and space to stop potential accidental cross-contamination, which would not only risk certification status but could also be potentially highly dangerous.

Setting up versatile shelving, such as a lot of adjustable metal shelving systems, allows for barriers and space to quickly and effectively be set up in order to stop potential problems before they even begin.

Hygiene

Organic stores must have a regular, consistent and appropriate cleaning schedule to avoid the encouragement of the same types of pests that the racking material is intended to strongly discourage.

This means shelving that is easy to clean and ideally has some form of antimicrobial coating, insofar as this will not affect other parts of the certification process for organic food. 

Labelling

On the subject of classification and separation, any racking used to store organic food must be labelled clearly as such to ensure that it is immediately and obviously clear that the area is for storing organic products and appropriate protocols must be followed.

Similarly, individual shelves or storage bins must also be clearly labelled with the food in question to ensure that accidental cross-contamination does not happen.

Having racking that allows signage and labels to be easily applied will help considerably with this.

Record Keeping

There must be a traceability of organic products, including goods in and out, stock-keeping records and certificates of clients and suppliers.

This will all be part of any decent warehouse management system, and shelving comes into play partly in terms of organisation and labelling, but also for keeping record folders in place where physical proof of certification is needed.

For more information on How Shelving Systems Are Critical To Organic Warehouses talk to UK Shelving Ltd