Ozone is widely used in food processing. As a strong oxidant, it has many functions such as sterilization, disinfection and bleaching. Here are some of the main applications of ozone in food processing:
1. Sterilization and disinfection
Ozone can effectively kill bacteria, viruses and fungi, so during food processing, ozone can be used to disinfect raw materials, equipment and working environments to prevent food contamination and extend the shelf life of food.
2. Water treatment
In food processing, water is indispensable. Ozone can be used to purify water, remove organic matter, odors and colors in the water, and ensure the cleanliness and safety of food processing water.
Any industry that uses water as a production process or raw material requires the highest possible level of disinfection of the water. For the food and beverage industry, water is an integral part of the process. Sanitized water is required at every stage. The quality of the final product depends largely on the quality of the process water.
3. Food preservation
Ozone can be used to preserve food, destroy or inhibit the growth of microorganisms through oxidation, and extend the shelf life of food. For example, it is used to preserve fruits and vegetables, which can reduce pesticide residues and extend shelf life.
4. Air purification
In food processing workshops, the use of ozone can purify the air, reduce microorganisms and odors in the air, and improve the hygiene level of the food processing environment.
5. Anti-mildew
Ozone can also be used for anti-mold and anti-insect treatment in food warehouses. By regularly applying ozone, microorganisms and pests in the warehouse can be effectively controlled and the food protected from damage.
6. Deodorization and bleaching
Ozone has a strong oxidizing effect and can be used in the deodorization and bleaching processes in food processing to remove bad odors and pigments in food.
Advantages of ozone in food & beverages industry:
In Modern day industries, chlorine is completely replaced by ozone. Ozone has many great advantages as listed below :
1. Much faster than any other disinfectant.
2. Ozonated water is used both as disinfection & rinse water, operational stages of rinse cycle in completely eliminated saving lot of process, every time
3. It not only disinfects but also reduces organics, colour and odour.
4. Implementation process is simple & most effective.
5. It oxidizes to such a level that DBPS are below detectable levels.
6. Ozone has shorter half life so naturally reverts back to harmless oxygen post disinfection.
7. It works on wider pH range & at ambient temperature.
8. 8.Before disposing in to environment no rinsing on sanitized water is require
Food & Beverages experts, scientist & process engineers have started using ozone as a comprehensive disinfectant & sanitizer. Since the last 3 decades ozone is being used by almost all food & beverage industries as an undisputed disinfectant.Ozone has diversified uses in food & beverage industry
Introduction to the specific applications of ozone in the food and beverage industry
OZONE IS EXTENSIVLY USED FOR DISINFECTION & SANITIZATION
1. Raw process water
2. Reverse Osmosis feed water disinfection.
3. Product water disinfection & Sterilization.
4. Clean in place (CIP) for pipes, tanks, vessels, etc.
5. Sanitization of work place, converges, storage & holding trays, trawlers, walls & floors, all equipments used for production & storage.
6. Uniform, hand & face wash water
7. During the production, packaging & storage contact dose of ozone is used in air as a disinfectant.
8. Making ozone ice
9. Fruits & vegetable washing & rinsing surface to disinfect & remove pesticides.
10. Sea food, fresh fish, cleaning, rinsing & disinfection.
11. Beef, pork, mutton, washing & surface sanitization.
12. Air disinfectant in cold storages.
13. Cooling tower water treatment.
14. Waste water recycling & treatment.
15. Approved to FDA
