Food processing with FAR UVC food Irradiation
Food processing with UVC irradiation is the process of using ultraviolet (UVC) light to exposed foods and beverages for disinfection, sterilization, and food preservation. FAR UVC BALTICS offers germicidal UVC lamps used in the food processing industry to keep food fresher, longer and protect food against infestation of harmful pathogens.
UV food irradiation, the process of exposing food and beverage items to powerful germ-killing UVC energy, is useful to improve the condition and safety of many products. When ionizing ultraviolet radiation passes through food and beverage products, energy is absorbed through chemical bonds which in some cases can be an alternative to traditional thermal processing. UV food processing is proving promising in post lethality treatment for meats, pasteurization of juices, extending shelf life of produce and disinfecting food contact surfaces.
UV radiation has long been well-established for surface decontamination, air disinfection and water sterilization treatment. Chemical additives to foods have always been a public concern and food processing with UV radiation holds considerable promise in the food and beverage processing industry. UV food irradiation provides a preservation method that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administrationand the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Food processing with UV irradiation improves many food and beverage processes providing an array of benefits such as:
⦿ Prevents potatoes, onions, and garlic from sprouting
⦿ Prevents mold and mildew from forming on liquid-sugar tanks
⦿ Controls insects that infest grains, dried fruit, vegetables, or nuts
⦿ Slows the process of ripening and aging
⦿ Preserves nutritional value
⦿ Prolongs shelf life and freshness, especially for dairy and bread products
⦿ Reduces health hazards of food-borne illness, especially from meat, poultry, and seafood
⦿ Prevents listeria on conveyor belts, a big problem for meat and ready-to-eat (RTE) food processors
⦿ Reduces the number of microorganisms in spices and herbs
Listeria is found in raw foods such as processed meats, packaged meats, dairy products, or vegetables that become contaminated after food processing. UV disinfection of conveyor belts used in raw food processing applications keeps these contact surfaces sterilized without the use of chemicals. Moisture from chemical exposure and cleaning of conveyor belts can lead to food contamination and degradation when water-based solutions come in contact with foods and final packaging. Animals can even carry listeria without showing signs of illness and may contaminate raw food processing. UV light helps food processors prevent listeria in the final packaging of RTE foods.
Benefits of Food Processing with UV Food Irradiation
UV irradiation food processing technologies provide many cost-saving efficiencies to food processors in addition to the many food safety benefits. UV food irradiation:
⦿ Protects food processors with a higher level of safety
⦿ Mitigates risk of dispensing contaminated food
⦿ Improves the bottom line with more sales of fresh food and less waste
Germicidal UVC technology successfully destroys pathogenic microorganisms in water used in the production of drinks without altering the taste, smell, or pH. Other water treated by germicidal UVC lamps include rinse water for fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, other foodstuffs and containers, cooling water, discharge water and process water. Once disinfected, process water can be recycled for flushing and rinsing.
Sterilization of Non-Foodstuff Surfaces
Germicidal UVC lamps are effective to disinfect packaging, filling equipment, conveyor belts, transport containers and working surfaces. Packaging includes lids, cups, sealing and packaging foils for drinks and cool-chain foodstuffs. UVC technology can protect food from the processing stage, through packaging, shipping, storage, and consumption.
UVC lamps used in restaurants can disinfect countertops, food preparation areas, commercial stoves, and range hoods. UVC light in kitchen exhaust hoods prevents the buildup of grease for a cleaner and safer environment and sterilization lamps for countertops protects surfaces from harmful microorganisms.
UVC technology can protect food and drinks from the farm to the table, to improve food quality for all consumers while giving food processors a better product with longer lasting life and value.
