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Long shelf life thanks to germ-free storage rooms – hygienically secured with UV-C technology

oxytec systems for germ-free air and surfaces in storage and cold rooms

The shelf life of many food products depends not only on production and packaging, but also significantly on hygiene during storage. Even small amounts of mold spores, yeast, or bacteria in the storage air or on surfaces can cause products to spoil earlier, lead to complaints, or jeopardize traceability.

With oxytec’s UV-C systems, storage rooms can be reliably stabilized against microbes – without chemicals, without cleaning residues, and without any interference with the product. This protects your goods, extends their shelf life, and reduces your complaint rate.

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Common sources of germs in storage rooms

Area Potential for stress Special features
Air in cold storage and ripening rooms Mold spores, yeasts, bacteria Cold, humid air without UV light, often with little air exchange
Shelves, pallets, containers Biofilm, surface contamination Condensation, packaging abrasion, difficult to clean
Packaging and transport surfaces Dust, skin germs, organic residues Frequent changes, high frequency, proximity to products
Air conditioning and ventilation Recirculated air germs, filter contamination Underestimated distribution unit for microorganisms

Why germ-free storage air is so important

Airborne germs settle on packaging or products

Even packaged products can be contaminated from the outside

Conventional cleaning does not adequately cover the air and high surfaces

Temperature alone does not stop germs – spores survive the cold

IFS / BRC / FSSC 22000 require controlled warehouse hygiene

Legal requirements

  • IFS Food / BRC / FSSC 22000: define air quality and warehouse hygiene as oPRP or CCP
  • DIN EN 1672-2 / ISO 14159: Hygiene requirements for food storage
  • HACCP concepts: storage air and surfaces as hygiene factors subject to documentation
  • Traceability and product liability require reproducible hygiene processes

Oxytec delivers measurable, documentable solutions with auditable implementation.

Get advice now – for germ-free storage areas with greater product safety

Would you like to systematically improve warehouse hygiene and extend the shelf life of your products?

Contact us—we will provide you with a customized solution for UV-C-based storage room disinfection.

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Oxytec systems for germ-free storage air and surfaces

UV-C disinfection in the ventilation system

UV-C radiation (254 nm) sterilizes circulating air by up to 99% in a single pass

Bacteria, spores, yeasts, and molds are completely neutralized without developing resistance.

For ventilation systems, we offer UV IB, a modular system. The UV-C modules come with matching frames that make installation and maintenance much easier.

The system is designed for continuous use and long service life:

  • Complete stainless steel construction, clickable modules, quick to install and remove for maintenance
  • Cables reinforced with stainless steel
  • Ballasts integrated into the frames

In all devices, the UV-C radiation is shielded from the room so that people and products cannot be affected in any way – ideal for cold rooms, dry storage, and packaging rooms

UV IB

UV-C Modul mit integriertem Ballast

UV-C disinfection via ceiling units

We offer a range of UV-C devices for ceiling mounting for recirculation mode.

Placing the devices on the ceiling allows the natural convection currents in the room to be used to distribute the germ-free air.

This solution can be implemented in virtually all cases.

Saniair Cealing

UV-Ozon-Hochleistungsdesinfektionsgerät als Deckengerät

Disinfection of convectors

These sterilization attachments use the air flow generated by the devices to distribute germ-free air throughout the room while keeping the convectors themselves germ-free.

This solution is also very easy to retrofit.

Stainless steel covers ensure that no UV-C radiation reaches people or products.

System integration & validation

Can be combined with air ducting, filtration, and access control.

Optional with timer, presence sensors, and monitoring.

Validatable effect with germ tests and audit documentation.

Typical areas of application

Cold storage for fresh produce, dairy products, meat, sausage, fish

Maturing rooms for cheese, salami, or vegan products

Dry storage and buffer zones for finished products

Packaging preparation rooms and storage before shipping

Logistics areas with open or breathable goods

Your advantages with Oxytec UV-C hygiene for storage rooms

Reduction of airborne germs >90% – even in cold rooms

Longer shelf life thanks to stable storage hygiene

Germ-free air without chemicals or residues

Ideal for combination with existing cooling and ventilation systems

Validatable, low maintenance, safe in continuous operation

Audit-compliant and eligible for subsidies as part of hygiene measures

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Which germs are reduced by UV-C systems?

Our systems reliably reduce:

  • Mold spores and yeasts
  • Bacteria (e.g., listeria, enterococci, pseudomonads)
  • Spore formers (e.g., Bacillus, Clostridia)
  • Biofilm-forming organisms on surfaces and packaging

Typical log-level reductions are 90–99.9%, depending on the application and room configuration.

How exactly does UV-C extend the shelf life of products?

Germs that get onto products or packaging via storage air or shelf surfaces are reduced.

This reduces the risk of spoilage, mold growth, or faulty fermentation.

Particularly effective for packaged fresh produce, maturing products, or open containers.

Tests show: more stable germ counts = longer microbiological shelf life.

How does air sterilization work in the storage room?
  • The room air is drawn in by integrated fan modules
  • UV-C emitters inside destroy the germs in the circulating air
  • The clean air is returned – without filter changes, without ozone, without residues
  • The systems run continuously or in a controlled manner, even in continuous operation

How are surfaces such as shelves or warehouse ceilings disinfected?
  • Through UV-C lamps for surface irradiation
  • Can be activated automatically at night, during cleaning, or when staff are absent
  • Particularly suitable for high shelves, inaccessible niches, or intermediate beams
  • Residue-free effect – no wiping necessary

Are the systems suitable for cold storage facilities?

Yes – all Oxytec modules are:

  • suitable for use at temperatures from 0°C
  • also available for cold rooms down to -20°C
  • equipped with moisture-resistant technology and stainless steel components
  • ideal for cold storage, ripening rooms, and fresh produce storage

How can germ reduction be documented?

oxytec offers:

  • Germ count measurements before/after installation
  • Validation protocols and log-level evidence
  • Support with HACCP classification (oPRP or CCP)
  • Documentation for IFS, BRC, or FSSC 22000 audits

How often do UV-C lamps need to be serviced?
  • Service life approx. 8,000–10,000 hours (1–2 years of continuous operation)
  • Lamp replacement in just a few minutes thanks to maintenance-friendly design
  • No filters, no chemicals, no residues
  • Optional: runtime monitoring, replacement indicator, maintenance contract

Is operation possible during storage or production?
  • Recirculating air disinfection systems can also be used when people and products are present in the room
  • Surface UV-C systems operate in shielded or time-controlled mode
  • Optional presence detection or access control
  • Safety in accordance with EN 62471 (UV device safety) guaranteed

What standards and regulations do the systems comply with?
  • IFS Food, BRC, FSSC 22000: Requirements for warehouse hygiene and air quality
  • DIN EN 1672-2 / ISO 14159: Hygienic design for storage technology
  • HACCP and hygiene audits: audit-ready documentation and validation
  • Optional: Eligibility for funding under hygiene measures or energy efficiency programs