UV Light Improves Food Safety with UV Irradiation

Ultraviolet (UV) light is useful in many applications providing benefits far beyond illumination. UV light in the UVC range is known to provide powerful germ-killing properties for disinfection and sterilization in many environments. UVC germicidal lamps are used in many germ-killing applications, such as UV air purification, surface sterilization, and water disinfection.

UV lamps are very useful in food and beverage processing applications to prevent a variety of foodborne illnesses, protect against infestation from harmful pathogens, and preserve food keeping it fresher longer.

UV Food Irradiation FDA Approved

UV food irradiation has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, FDA,  for decades and is proven to be an entirely safe method to treat food products. UV food irradiation helps food processing plants to ensure foods are free from harmful diseases such as listeria, which can be found in raw foods and processed meats, vegetables, and dairy products. 

These foods can become contaminated after food processing, and using UV disinfection methods on food processing conveyor belts helps to keep contact surfaces sterile without using harsh chemicals. UV food irradiation helps to prevent listeria during final food packaging for many ready-to-eat foods.

UV Irradiation Protects Many Food Types

UV irradiation protects many types of foods and beverages, providing many benefits to food and beverage processors such as:

• Prevents insect infestation in grains, nuts, vegetables, or dried fruit

• Prevents potatoes, garlic, and onions from premature sprouting

• Prolongs freshness and extends shelf life, especially for bread and dairy products

• Prevents mold and mildew from accumulating on liquid sugar tanks

• Preserves nutritional value in food items

• Slows down the process of aging and ripening

• Reduces microorganisms found in herbs and spices

• Prevents listeria on conveyor belts, a big risk for ready-to-eat and meat food processors

• Reduces risk of health hazards from foodborne illnesses, particularly in meat, seafood, and poultry

UV food irradiation provides these benefits and more to ensure healthier food products with safer food processing. UV food irradiation reduces the need for chemical cleaners and additives, which are always a concern in the food and beverage industry. UVC lamps provide powerful benefits to food processors that improve food safety and reduce the risk of contaminated food, improving the bottom line with less waste.

LightSources is a leading global supplier of UVC germicidal lamps found in many sterilization applications, including food irradiation. Our lighting engineers possess deep technical knowledge of UVC electromagnetic radiation and custom design lamps to meet specific wavelength requirements. Contact us with any questions and to improve any germicidal application, including food irradiation with quality UVC lamps.