Emerging Technologies for Aerial Decontamination of Food Storage Environments to Eliminate Microbial Cross-Contamination.

Márcia Oliveira,Brijesh K Tiwari,Geraldine Duffy

doi:10.3390/foods9121779

Márcia Oliveira, Brijesh K Tiwari + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9121779

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Abstract

Air is recognized as an important source of microbial contamination in food production facilities and has the potential to contaminate the food product causing food safety and spoilage issues for the food industry. Potential for aerial microbial contamination of food can be a particular issue during storage in cold rooms when the food is not packaged and is exposed to contaminated air over a prolonged period. Thus, there are potential benefits for the food industry for an aerial decontamination in cold storage facilities. In this paper, aerial decontamination approaches are reviewed and challenges encountered for their applications are discussed. It is considered that current systems may not be completely effective and environmentally friendly, therefore, it is of great significance to consider the development of nonresidual and verified decontamination technologies for the food industry and, in particular, for the cold storage rooms.

Highlights

Air may contain suspended microdroplets of liquid, solids and living substances, such as microorganisms
This review aims to highlight the importance of air as a source for microbial contamination in chilled in door environments in the food industry and to provide an overview of current applications for aerial decontamination in food chilling rooms
This review aims to highlight the importance of air as a source for microbial contamination in accepted as an important standard quality control, food producers are including it as part chilled in door environments in the food industry and to provide an overview of current applications of their Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system [1]

Summary

Introduction

Air may contain suspended microdroplets of liquid, solids and living substances, such as microorganisms. Different pathways, which can release microorganisms into the aerial environment, include wind, air flow, rain and water splashing, organic matter and dust release from surfaces. A study showed the possibility for Salmonella to be carried through the rain and air and further contaminate tomatoes at high levels [4]. These pathogenic bacteria have been found in the air of poultry [5] and pig production environments [6], and that has been stated as a significant pathogen for rapid transmission through the air in turkey [7] and pigs [8]. The potential challenges of the approaches and technologies that can be applied are discussed

Sources of Airborne Contamination in Processing Plants

Current and Emerging Air Decontamination Methods

Fogging

Other Decontamination Techniques

Challenges and Future Considerations