Current status and future trends of high-pressure processing in food industry

Abstract

The increased consumers' interest in high quality foods with fresh-like sensory and additive free attributes led to the development of non-thermal food processing technologies as alterative to conventionally heat treatments. This review describes the current application status and market trends of high-pressure processing (HPP) technology in food industry. As the most successfully commercialized non-thermal processing technology, HPP eliminates food pathogens at room temperature and extends the shelf life of foods circulated through the cold chain. These processes maintain the organoleptic properties and nutritional value of the foods, which is not possible using traditional thermal pasteurization. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has officially approved HPP as a non-thermal pasteurization technology that can replace traditional pasteurization in the food industry. Clearly defined regulations and specifications will facilitate the development of the application market to improve product quality and consumer trust. The widespread application of HPP technology has boosted the development and market demand for HPP equipment. HPP has been widely used in the production of packaged vegetables, fruits, meat, seafood, and dairy products. By the end of 2015, more than 300 units of HPP equipment were operating globally. Despite the high price and high barriers to investment, the specialized original equipment manufacturer service sector has been gradually increasing, and the annual output value of global HPP market has approached $10 billion. HPP technology also can be combined with existing food trends, as organic food, health food or clean label to boost the development in the food market.