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| Technology |
Method and apparatus for electrically treating foodstuffs for preservation |
| Description |
The invention describes a method and apparatus for electrically treating foodstuffs with low energy, high voltage electrical pulses for non-thermal pasteurization and/or sterilization. |
| Inventors |
Gauri Mittal, Shirley Ho, James Cross, Mansel Griffiths |
| Patent Status |
A patent application has been filed. |
| Scientific Merits |
At present, foods are preserved commercially by thermal processing including ultra high temperature (UHT) or high temperature short time (HTST) processes. Extending the shelf life of foods by heat treatment is energy intensive, and in many cases adversely affects the flavour, chemical composition, and nutritional quality of the treated foods.
We have developed a non-thermal and low energy per pulse electrical method for inactivating microorganisms that can be broadly applied to foodstuffs with varying conductivities. Our electrical pulse method has been shown to have a much greater microbial killing power compared to other pulse waveforms used to treat foodstuff. |
| Development Status |
Industry partner sought. |
| Competitive Advantage |
Our method for treating foodstuffs is economical, compact, energy efficient, safe and environmentally acceptable. Unlike other currently used processes, our method does not significantly affect the nutritional quality, texture, and flavour of the treated food. |
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