Ozone Spray Kills E.Coli in Processing Plants

New high pressure ozone spray systems have been developed to remove E. coli from fresh produce, meat and poultry plants, their manufacturer claims.

Produce Safety & Security International said its Spherequat 1000, 5500 and 6400 units are proven in tests to help food processors reduce the causes of a number of food borne illnesses, including E.coli OH157:H7, Salmonella and Staphylococcus.

Processors are constantly looking for innovative ways to keep operational facilities and equipment clean and free from contamination, which can in turn, spoil foods and lead to costly recalls and loss of brand confidence.

With concerns over the use of chemicals such as chlorine, ozone is seen among manufacturers as a safer cleaning chemical. On June 23, 2001, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted ozone generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status for use in food-contact applications.

Because ozone is an unstable, highly reactive form of oxygen, it is 51 times as powerful as chlorine, the oxidiser most commonly used by most food processors, and 3,000 times as fast at killing bacteria and other microbes.

Ozone use, which is accepted by the National Organic Program (NOP), also offers reduced energy costs for surface cleaning by eliminating the need for hot water during the process.

Clarence Karney, chief executive officer of Produce Safety & Security International, said the company believes the products could dramatically impact food shipping and processing industries.

"Ozone Safe Food high pressure unit will provide a high sense of safety and security to the consumer, directly impacting the plants bottom line," he said.

The Spherequat 1000 is a disinfectant, sanitizer, deodorizer, fungicide, mildew stat and virucide product with organic soil tolerance designed for use in all food handling and process areas, the company claims.

Produce Safety & Security International said its Spherequat 5500 and 6400 offer the same benefits as the 1000, but adds a virucide product with organic soil tolerance formulated for effective poultry and swine processing premises sanitation.

Produce Safety and Security International, based in Arizona, manufactures ozone and other food-safe equipment for all the major sectors of the food industry.

The company is currently marketing ozone technology through patented ozone equipment systems that kill pathogens and bacteria, remove pesticides and extend the shelf life of a meat, seafood, fresh fruit or vegetable product an additional 10 to 70 days as well as other proprietary sanitizing products.