A compact device for the removal of heavy metals and microorganisms from food, by means of a pulsed electromagnetic field, a constant flow of electric current and pulsating light radiation.

A dip tank and recycling system for applying antimicrobial solution to food items, including a dip tank having a bottom and sides, and holding a liquid antimicrobial solution. A conveyor to convey food items through the tank passes through the liquid antimicrobial solution held in the tank such that food items conveyed on the conveyor are dipped in the liquid antimicrobial solution. At least two discharge nozzles spray fresh antimicrobial solution into the tank. The discharge nozzles are located in the sides of the tank, and are positioned above the level of the conveyor but below an expected top level of the liquid antimicrobial solution contained within the tank such that food items conveyed on the conveyor are agitated by the force of the spray from the discharge nozzles. The spray from the discharge nozzles causes unstacking of items on the conveyor, producing an even application of the antimicrobial solution.

A dip tank and recycling system for applying antimicrobial solution to food items, including a dip tank having a bottom and sides, and holding a liquid antimicrobial solution. A conveyor to convey food items through the tank passes through the liquid antimicrobial solution held in the tank such that food items conveyed on the conveyor are dipped in the liquid antimicrobial solution. At least two discharge nozzles spray fresh antimicrobial solution into the tank. The discharge nozzles are located in the sides of the tank, and are positioned above the level of the conveyor but below an expected top level of the liquid antimicrobial solution contained within the tank such that food items conveyed on the conveyor are agitated by the force of the spray from the discharge nozzles. The spray from the discharge nozzles causes unstacking of items on the conveyor, producing an even application of the antimicrobial solution.

The present invention describes an apparatus or system for extending shelf life of biological soft tissue, the apparatus includes a holding means; means for introducing one or more cell protecting agents into the extracellular and intracellular space of the biological soft tissue; means for rinsing and means for extended cold storage intended for preservation. Moreover, the present invention also relates to a method for extending shelf life of biological soft tissue, the method includes the steps of introducing one or more cell protecting agents into the extracellular and intracellular space of the biological soft tissue; and extended cold storing of the biological soft tissue intended for preservation of the same; and wherein the method also includes rinsing the biological soft tissue before or after the introducing of one or more cell protecting agents into the extracellular and intracellular space of the biological soft tissue.

An apparatus for applying a dilute antimicrobial solution to workpieces, such as raw poultry, includes a housing and a sprayer positioned to direct a first volume of dilute antimicrobial solution onto workpieces conveyed through a passage of the housing. A portion of the first volume that does not adhere to the workpieces is collected at a lower portion of the housing and passed to a recycle tank. Solution is transported between the recycle tank and sprayer and includes a supply segment to receive solution from the recycle tank, an application segment to receive the first volume from the supply segment for passage to the sprayer, and a bypass segment, separate from the application segment, to receive a second volume of the solution from the supply segment for return passage to the recycle tank without passage through the sprayer.

An apparatus for applying a dilute antimicrobial solution to workpieces, such as raw poultry, includes a housing and a sprayer positioned to direct a first volume of dilute antimicrobial solution onto workpieces conveyed through a passage of the housing. A portion of the first volume that does not adhere to the workpieces is collected at a lower portion of the housing and passed to a recycle tank. Solution is transported between the recycle tank and sprayer and includes a supply segment to receive solution from the recycle tank, an application segment to receive the first volume from the supply segment for passage to the sprayer, and a bypass segment, separate from the application segment, to receive a second volume of the solution from the supply segment for return passage to the recycle tank without passage through the sprayer.

A baking production system for control of preservative concentration during production of baked products includes a preservative control system, including a preservative control unit, a flow control valve, a flow meter, first and second conductive probes, first and second acidity sensors, a metering pump, a water mixer, a temperature sensor, a moisture sensor, which is configured to mix the water with the preservative solution, thereby creating a water preservative mixture; and a production line, including a dough mixer, which is configured to receive a baking mixture and mix the baking mixture with the water preservative mixture, thereby creating a dough. Also disclosed is a method for preservative concentration control, including calculating water preservative concentration, optimizing preservative solution flow, calculating dough preservative concentration, and optimizing source water flow.

The systems and methods can include calculating a dwell time or density of workpieces in a vessel; and modulating the one or more conditions of the system based on the dwell time or density of workpieces in the vessel. In an example, the system includes a vessel configured to carry a working fluid and a plurality of workpieces at least partially submerged in the working fluid; a delivery train configured to introduce workpieces into the vessel; a first counting sensor configured to generate an entrance signal based upon a workpiece introduced into the vessel; a transport train configured to transport workpieces introduced into the vessel to an exit of the vessel; a removal train configured to remove workpieces from the vessel through the exit; and a second counting sensor configured to generate an exit signal based upon a workpiece removed from the vessel through the exit.

A system providing for on-site reclamation and re-use of reclaimed antimicrobial solution includes a dispenser, at least one receptacle, piping, and at least one pump. The dispenser sprays antimicrobial solution toward moving raw food products. Unspent antimicrobial solution that did not contact the moving raw food products and rebound antimicrobial solution that did contact the raw food products combine to form a reclaimed antimicrobial solution. The reclaimed antimicrobial solution is collected in the receptacle and is pumped through the piping to a location for reuse.

A produce wash system, method, and short-term wash treatment are provided. For example, the produce wash system includes a produce line including a short-term wash device followed by a wash device, a short-term wash treatment that is applied by the short-term wash device to a product, wherein the short-term wash treatment is applied using a spray device that creates micrometer sized droplets, and wherein the short-term wash treatment remains on the product for a pretreatment time that lasts until the product reaches the wash device, and a wash treatment that is applied by the wash device to the product, wherein the wash treatment rinses the short-term wash treatment from the product defining the end of the pretreatment time. The pretreatment time is set at or below a damage threshold time beyond which the short-term wash treatment damages the product beyond a damage threshold.