초록 ▼

An apparatus and method for microbial intervention and pasteurization of food processing equipment. The apparatus comprises a chamber, a steam generator, a controller, a timer, a power source, and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor, along with the timer, is used to control the exposure of

An apparatus and method for microbial intervention and pasteurization of food processing equipment. The apparatus comprises a chamber, a steam generator, a controller, a timer, a power source, and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor, along with the timer, is used to control the exposure of food processing equipment to steam. After a controlled period of steam application, a chilled water source is used to bathe the food processing equipment. The method includes the steps of placing food processing equipment in the chamber, adding steam to the chamber, continuing to add steam until the surface of the food processing equipment is greater than a first preselected temperature, maintaining the surface temperature by the continued application of steam for a period of about 60 seconds or until it is greater than a second preselected temperature, and then bathing the outer surface of the food processing equipment with chilled water for about 60 seconds. The use of this method results in a 5-log reduction in the population of microorganisms and bacteria on the surface of the food and/or equipment.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What we claim is:] [33.]33. A method for microbial intervention and pasteurizing a food processing equipment having an outer surface comprising the steps of:adding steam to a steam tunnel;sensing a measured temperature of the outer surface;adding steam to the steam tunnel until the measured temper

[ What we claim is:] [33.]33. A method for microbial intervention and pasteurizing a food processing equipment having an outer surface comprising the steps of:adding steam to a steam tunnel;sensing a measured temperature of the outer surface;adding steam to the steam tunnel until the measured temperature of the outer surface is greater than a first preselected temperature;starting a timer having a timeout period of about 60 seconds;adding steam to the steam tunnel until the timeout period occurs, or the measured temperature of the outer surface becomes greater than a second preselected temperature, whichever occurs first.