Yes, certified organic operations can use shared commercial kitchens to make their products, but they must certify the kitchen for their own use. In your application – called an Organic System Plan (OSP) – you will explain how you keep your products separate from any non-organic products or materials in the kitchen. You will also describe how organic product contact surfaces and processing equipment arecleaned and sanitized. Additionally, you will need to know what pest control materials and methods are used by the facility as the organic regulations haverequirements for facility pest control. You may need to work with the facility manager to gather this information so that you can complete your application.
Using shared commercial kitchens for organic production is common and usually does not pose an undue burden on new applicants. Our inspectors have seen these many times and will work with you.Download an applicationtoday!