Food disinfection using ozone

US6485769B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• Air Liquide Canada, Inc. · CA
• American Air Liquide, Inc. · US
• L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme à Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Étude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude · FR

Inventors

• Stephane Audy · Keyano, CA
• Fabrice Laberge · Keyano, CA
• Edward Steiner · Lombard, US
• James Yuan · Naperville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 28, 2001
• Grant date: Nov 26, 2002
• Expiry date: Feb 28, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A23B4/26
• WIPO field: Food chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are provided for decreasing the bacteria count of a food commodity without affecting its overall organoleptic quality (taste, odor, and color). This is accomplished using a treatment fluid comprising ozone, which is injected into a treatment chamber containing the food commodity. Some water is preferably added to obtain better contact of the ozone with the food by forming a thin film of ozonated water on the food surface. Spices and/or other ingredients may preferably be added with the water. The food is placed in a tumbler and the tumbler is set in motion. During treatment good contact between the treatment fluid and the food commodity is obtained by reversibly oscillating the tumbler. A log reduction of 40% or more in bacteria count may be obtained as compared without the ozone.