There is ongoing research into antimicrobial treatments that are used for their ability to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms that are found in foods.
Antimicrobial treatments are often added directly to the food product itself in the form of organic acids such as lactic acid, acetic acid or citric acid. These acids are used to enhance the flavour of certain ingredients in foodstuffs, including poultry, cheese, fermented products or meat. Benzoic acid and sodium benzoate are widely used to prevent microbial forms from reproducing in fruit juices.
When combined with both lactic and citric acid, potassium sorbate is thought to prevent the spread of Salmonella, as well as yeast pathogens that affect food production. Antimicrobial treatments are necessary to prevent the spread of organisms that contaminate the food during the production process.
Food Hygiene Standards
Antimicrobial treatments are necessary to sterilise food-processing equipment. So if you were to buy used food machinery, it would be best to follow the guidelines as set out in Food Safety Magazine to prevent any food spoilage from contaminated second-hand machinery.
There is a very useful resource offered by a government website for business owners that outlines safe practices in food hygiene standards. Antimicrobial treatment is necessary to lengthen the shelf-life of the food product, but it must also be used to protect the business owner.
Simple Science
Electrochemically activated water is something simple that is relevant to businesses operating food-processing machinery. The water is produced by blending together salt and purified water in an electrolytic generator. The resulting chemical reaction produces two streams of fluid solution: the first stream of sodium chloride and a second stream of hypochlorous acid. The use of these two agents in combination results in a powerful cleansing and sterilizing fluid that is used in cleaning the type of food processing machinery.
This is often a really good idea when the machinery has a Vacuum conveying system which can be sourced from sites like aptech.uk.com/pneumatic-conveying-systems/vacuum-conveying/ running through the factory, because what you don’t want to happen is left over food going mouldy in the tubes.
The beauty of using electrochemically activated water to clean food processing equipment is that it targets microbes and is believed to eradicate viruses altogether. Furthermore, its appeal is that it can be safely used to clean food-processing equipment without the user having to wear protective clothing, thereby lowering costs. It is often considered to be a gentle and green method of sterilising the machinery used in food processing.