A device capable of stably obtaining gas of a sterilizer containing hydrogen peroxide for a long time is provided. A cleaning device that cleans a heating surface that gasifies a sterilizer of a gasifier for a sterilizer is provided, and after an operation for a fixed time period, the heating surface is cleaned.

Sliced ready-to-eat meat are provided by slicing ready-to-eat meat, disposing the meat into a flexible pouch with a modified atmosphere, and sealing the flexible pouch containing the meat. The flexible pouch is formed from material having: i) a thickness of from about 0.2 mils to about 2 mils; ii) an MVTR of about 1.2 g/100 in.sup.2/24 Hrs @ 100° F., 90% RH, 1 atm or less; iii) an 02 Gas Transmission Rate of about 0.8 cc/100 sqin/day or less at 1 atmosphere, 0% relative humidity and 73° F. or less; and iv) a clarity of about 80% or greater.

Sliced ready-to-eat meat are provided by slicing ready-to-eat meat, disposing the meat into a flexible pouch with a modified atmosphere, and sealing the flexible pouch containing the meat. The flexible pouch is formed from material having: i) a thickness of from about 0.2 mils to about 2 mils; ii) an MVTR of about 1.2 g/100 in.sup.2/24 Hrs @ 100° F., 90% RH, 1 atm or less; iii) an 02 Gas Transmission Rate of about 0.8 cc/100 sqin/day or less at 1 atmosphere, 0% relative humidity and 73° F. or less; and iv) a clarity of about 80% or greater.

The present disclosure relates to methods and devices for controlling arthropods, including insects and arachnids in an environment. The methods generally comprise: generating a near-ideal gas Purified Hydrogen Peroxide Gas (PHPG) that is substantially non-hydrated (e.g., in the form of water in solution or water in solution or water molecules bonded by covalence, van der Waals forces, or London forces) and substantially free of, e.g., ozone, plasma species, and/or organic species; and directing the gas comprising primarily PHPG into the environment such that the PHPG acts to control arachnids in the environment. In certain aspects, the arachnids may be totally or partially killed.

The present disclosure relates to methods and devices for controlling arthropods, including insects and arachnids in an environment. The methods generally comprise: generating a near-ideal gas Purified Hydrogen Peroxide Gas (PHPG) that is substantially non-hydrated (e.g., in the form of water in solution or water in solution or water molecules bonded by covalence, van der Waals forces, or London forces) and substantially free of, e.g., ozone, plasma species, and/or organic species; and directing the gas comprising primarily PHPG into the environment such that the PHPG acts to control arachnids in the environment. In certain aspects, the arachnids may be totally or partially killed.

A continuous flow sterilization system includes an inclined treatment chamber having a first end and a second end. An ozone generator generates a flow gas containing ozone; an input opening to receive a bulk material into the treatment chamber. An input port is provided for introducing the flow gas containing of ozone into the treatment chamber. A first sensor measures a level of ozone in the gas output of the treatment chamber. The other sensors measure ozone concentration and temperature within the treatment chamber. An output opening provides an exit for the bulk material. An output port provides an exit for the flow gas. An auger is disposed within the treatment chamber to move the bulk material through the treatment chamber.

A continuous flow sterilization system includes an inclined treatment chamber having a first end and a second end. An ozone generator generates a flow gas containing ozone; an input opening to receive a bulk material into the treatment chamber. An input port is provided for introducing the flow gas containing of ozone into the treatment chamber. A first sensor measures a level of ozone in the gas output of the treatment chamber. The other sensors measure ozone concentration and temperature within the treatment chamber. An output opening provides an exit for the bulk material. An output port provides an exit for the flow gas. An auger is disposed within the treatment chamber to move the bulk material through the treatment chamber.

A method of preserving an oxygen sensitive item is disclosed. The method involves injecting at least 0.15 gram of an inert gas into a container comprising the oxygen sensitive item and oxygen, without raising a pressure within the container above 10 psig, to form a barrier layer of the inert gas between the oxygen sensitive item and the oxygen in the container without displacing all of the oxygen from the container.

A method of preserving an oxygen sensitive item is disclosed. The method involves injecting at least 0.15 gram of an inert gas into a container comprising the oxygen sensitive item and oxygen, without raising a pressure within the container above 10 psig, to form a barrier layer of the inert gas between the oxygen sensitive item and the oxygen in the container without displacing all of the oxygen from the container.

The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to preparation, modified atmosphere and high pressure pasteurization steps for treatment of retail fresh protein preparations. Protein is prepared and subsequently packaged in a modified atmosphere lacking significant amounts of oxygen and then exposed to high-pressure pasteurization. During preparation the protein may be exposed to aqueous ozone further reducing the microbial load, extending shelf-life, and increasing product safety.