UV-C and plasma activated water for reducing wheat flour microbial load

Overview

This cutting-edge solution leverages the biocidal properties of UV-C light and plasma activated water (PAW) to effectively reduce microbial contamination in wheat flour production. By integrating these chemical-free and residue-free methods at critical points in the production chain, this approach not only enhances food safety but also reduces the dependency on chemical treatments and lowers labor costs.

Technical specifications

Key features:

• UV-C Light: Utilized for its well-documented antimicrobial properties, UV-C light is applied to milling equipment, conveyance mechanisms, and packaging materials to ensure pathogen-free environments.
• Plasma Activated Water (PAW): Applied during the tempering phase, PAW disinfects the wheat grain, effectively removing previous contamination without degrading the product.
• Deployment Strategy: The solution involves the strategic use of PAW and UV-C at identified intervention points along the production chain to maintain high quality standards and prevent new sources of contamination.

Technology readiness level

Currently at TRL 4, this technology has been proven in the laboratory environment. Future plans include real-world validation with inoculated wheat grain to achieve significant microbial reduction and thorough evaluation of production facilities to optimize deployment strategies.