Ozone Sterilization - Is it viable?

Hi Friends,

I am into spice processing- dry spices. We normally use ETO or steam sterilisation for micobial control. Is ozone sterilisation a viable option. Who are the known suppliers for such equipment for ozone sterilisation of food items. How safe is the process. Is there a cost benefit as compared to ETO or steam sterilisation.

Looking forward to answers.

Thanks & regards
Rajeshnath

Hi Rajeshnath,

To be clear. I do not think that any validated technology based on ozone is in the market now. I have been involved in this kind of research but it was based on infant formula. Still this technology is under research. It is being used by few packaging material producers. but to use this technology for food currently people are struggling to get proper comibation of variables (Secondary gas flow rate, power level, distance from the source, time). I personally think that yes ozone tehcnology looks promising and during study i have personally seen that just in fraction of seconds i can achieve 6 log reduction (20 seconds). Please let me know if you have any specific question.


Regards

Dave