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Elevating food safety with UV-C

11 December 2023

Christopher Mueller highlights the benefits of UV-C disinfection, which can help mitigate the risk of foodborne illnesses due to cross-contamination.

Bacteria are naturally occurring, and in most cases pose no threat to humans in their natural environments. The danger arises when they are inadvertently introduced into environments that provide optimal conditions for proliferation and contaminating food production processes. 

When delving into the specifics of harmful contaminants commonly found in everyday foods like romaine lettuce, cookie dough, and chicken breasts, it is important to distinguish their sources. Some products inherently carry harmful germs due to the nature of their production. Take Salmonella, for example, it is a challenge to eliminate it from chicken farming and processing entirely. Eggs, often connected to chicken-related outbreaks, further compound the issue. The primary goal lies in interrupting cross-contaminations and carry-overs within the industrial food production process. UV-C technology emerges as a potential solution, offering effective disinfection measures that can prevent the escalation of initial bacterial concentrations.

Romaine lettuce presents a poignant case study. While lettuce is not a haven for harmful germs, the problem begins with contaminated water used in irrigation, introducing faecal germs from neighbouring livestock. This contamination can only be addressed through robust washing procedures involving UVC-purified water and ozone treatments. This predicament underscores the importance of tackling the problem at its source, from the beginning of the production chain through every step of the process.

UV technology emerges as a promising strategy to mitigate the risk of foodborne illnesses because it can render germ-free surfaces for food. UV-C sterilisation can neutralise up to 99.999% of germs on surfaces, significantly reducing the risk of contamination during production. It is not just limited to end-of-line treatment; it can enhance hygiene levels throughout production, helping to maintain the quality and safety of products over time.

The mechanics
The mechanics behind UV-C technology are rooted in its ability to target pathogens without physically touching surfaces. UV-C light delivers a precise and effective killing mechanism specific to bacteria. Unlike traditional detergents, UV-C can be integrated seamlessly into the production process. It ensures that working equipment, conveyor belts, and other surfaces remain hygienic throughout the day, countering the natural decline in product quality that can occur during extended production periods.

Real-world tests have highlighted the potential of UV-C technology. In one instance, tests were conducted using cooked ham on slicers, a scenario prone to contamination accumulation. The results were striking – in the absence of UV-C treatment, a comprehensive cleaning of the entire line was deemed necessary after eight hours. In contrast, with UV-C integration, the belts and surfaces exhibited minimal contamination even after a full eight-hour shift, comparable to their state after merely one hour of operation.

Enhancing supply chain safety 
By preventing contamination from making its way into the final product, the integration of UV technology contributes to a more robust and safer food supply chain. In the case of ground beef production, for example, UV-C sterilisation can limit the spread of germs originating from a single contaminated piece of meat, reducing the potential impact to a manageable scale. This not only ensures safer consumption but also bolsters the resilience of the supply chain by mitigating the risk of widespread recalls or illnesses.

While UV-C technology has existed for over a century, its potential has often been overshadowed by chemical solutions. However, the dynamics of the modern food industry demand reevaluating hygiene practices. The industry's focus on innovation and heightened safety standards positions UV-C technology as a transformative tool. 

Christopher Mueller is Head of Sales, Air and Surface at Nuvonic.


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