Eliminating Pathogens in Fresh or Raw Food
Purdue University researchers have developed an innovative way to eliminate food pathogens and reduce spoilage microorganisms in fresh or raw food. This technology generates ozone from the gases contained in a sealed package and eliminates many forms of bacteria that cause severe infections such as salmonella and E. coli. This technology, atmospheric, non-equilibrium plasma (ANEP), produces the bacteria-killing gas instantaneously using less than 50 Watts of power (a light bulb uses less power). The described method has shown a 100,000-fold reduction in bacteria on packaged spinach leaves within a few minutes of treatment. No significant heating of the product and no significant packaging change are required. Once the ANEP system is turned off, the atmosphere in the package eventually reverts to the original composition.
Pasteurize a fresh food product within a sealed packageNoninvasive No heatingFully adjustable to different package geometries
Food IndustryFood Safety
Kevin KeenerPurdue Agricultural and Biological Engineering
United States
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