New technologies for food manufacturing

Why are we undertaking this project?

Manufacturers need independent data on ways to effectively validate and understand the benefits new processing and preservation technologies have of improving product quality. Understanding how processing or preservation technologies impact on the quality and shelf-life of products remains an important area for manufacturers.

What are we doing as part of this project?

The focus for this project will be on emerging technologies for improving quality and value and will conduct feasibility studies on commercially relevant emerging technologies. The project will inform members about additional new technologies through the new technologies bulletins, feasibility studies and desk-based reviews.

Planned work for 2021

Having conducted ultrasound trials in year 2 and reviewed powder treatment technologies in 2021 we are working on:

• Pulsed electric Fields (PEF) applications on fermentation enhancement and inactivation studies
• Completion of a practical evaluation of solid-state microwave processing in comparison with traditional magnetron systems, following preliminary trials in 2019.
• Review of Ultra high-pressure homogenisation (UHPH) systems