FDA Recommends Ozone for Fresh Produce

Take a look a the FDAs following table which outlines treatment methods for controlling food related risks.

FDAs Summary of Literature Findings on Microbiological Safety Issues and Preventive Controls

Source

FDA/CFSAN, 2001c

Industry/Products

Fresh and fresh-cut produce

Problem/Risk

  • Manure and biosolids
  • Water for agricultural uses
  • Improper postharvest packing, cooling, and storage practices

 

Preventive Controls Suggested

  • Temperature control
  • Physical removal of microorganisms
  • Use of effective GRAS cleaning agents
  • Ozone treatment
  • Irradiation
  • Biocontrol

Ozone in the Food Industry

There have recently been multiple published incidents where contaminated food products have found their way into the market place and ultimately onto the consumer’s table. When this happens, typically the remedial action is to do a mass recall of any products that are even remotely suspected of being contaminated.

But the damage that happens when a product is recalled is far greater and significant than the direct financial loss the business suffers from mass- recalling and destroying large quantities of their product that is already on the store shelves and ready to be sold.