According to one embodiment, a method for removing antimicrobial material from a composition includes providing a container that contains a plurality of carbon elements such as granules, rocks and sheets. The carbon elements are submerged with a liquid and a composition that includes an antimicrobial material is deposited in the container. The carbon elements are configured to remove the antimicrobial material from the composition. The level of the liquid in the container is monitored and controlled to maintain a submerged condition of the carbon elements.

A conveyor system and related methods of operation for using two or more conveyors to treat at least two separate sides of food items with a chemical intervention solution. The conveyor system can include two or more conveyors arranged in an angled relationship relative to a horizontal plane such that a first side of a food material is presented on a first conveyor and a second side of the food material is presented on a second conveyor. A chemical intervention system including two or more spray assemblies can apply a suitable chemical intervention solution to the first and second sides of food. The two or more conveyors can be arranged at an angle from 20-45 degrees relative to a common horizontal plane.

A conveyor system and related methods of operation for using two or more conveyors to treat at least two separate sides of food items with a chemical intervention solution. The conveyor system can include two or more conveyors arranged in an angled relationship relative to a horizontal plane such that a first side of a food material is presented on a first conveyor and a second side of the food material is presented on a second conveyor. A chemical intervention system including two or more spray assemblies can apply a suitable chemical intervention solution to the first and second sides of food. The two or more conveyors can be arranged at an angle from 20-45 degrees relative to a common horizontal plane.

A control system for monitoring an antimicrobial application system may include a controller having a monitoring program including an operations unit and an interface unit. The operations unit may include a sensor module operatively coupled to a plurality of sensors positioned to detect operation data associated with the application system in real-time. An adjustment module may adjust the operation of the application system. An analysis module may analyze real-time operation data and initiate a specified response when the analysis indicates that a trigger event has occurred. The response may include issuing a notification to a notification device or initiating the adjustment module to perform a control operation to modify the operation of the antimicrobial application system. A remote monitoring center may control multiple and remote application systems. Mobile devices and a control panel may be operable to interface with operations of the antimicrobial application system via the control system.

A control system for monitoring an antimicrobial application system may include a controller having a monitoring program including an operations unit and an interface unit. The operations unit may include a sensor module operatively coupled to a plurality of sensors positioned to detect operation data associated with the application system in real-time. An adjustment module may adjust the operation of the application system. An analysis module may analyze real-time operation data and initiate a specified response when the analysis indicates that a trigger event has occurred. The response may include issuing a notification to a notification device or initiating the adjustment module to perform a control operation to modify the operation of the antimicrobial application system. A remote monitoring center may control multiple and remote application systems. Mobile devices and a control panel may be operable to interface with operations of the antimicrobial application system via the control system.

According to one embodiment, a method for removing antimicrobial material from a composition includes providing a container that contains a plurality of carbon elements such as granules, rocks and sheets. The carbon elements are submerged with a liquid and a composition that includes an antimicrobial material is deposited in the container. The carbon elements are configured to remove the antimicrobial material from the composition. The level of the liquid in the container is monitored and controlled to maintain a submerged condition of the carbon elements.

According to one embodiment, a method for removing antimicrobial material from a composition includes providing a container that contains a plurality of carbon elements such as granules, rocks and sheets. The carbon elements are submerged with a liquid and a composition that includes an antimicrobial material is deposited in the container. The carbon elements are configured to remove the antimicrobial material from the composition. The level of the liquid in the container is monitored and controlled to maintain a submerged condition of the carbon elements.

Apparatuses and methods for applying an antimicrobial agent to food products include methods and systems for limiting the escape of antimicrobial agent to the environment during antimicrobial treatment of the food product. In one embodiment, a series of cabinet panels moves in line with the passing food product and forms an enclosure around the food product by means of panels closing ahead of and behind the food product. In another embodiment, the direction and spray pattern of positively charged aerosolized antimicrobial particles is controlled by attracting the particles to preselected negatively charged regions within a treatment volume.

Apparatuses and methods for applying an antimicrobial agent to food products include methods and systems for limiting the escape of antimicrobial agent to the environment during antimicrobial treatment of the food product. In one embodiment, a series of cabinet panels moves in line with the passing food product and forms an enclosure around the food product by means of panels closing ahead of and behind the food product. In another embodiment, the direction and spray pattern of positively charged aerosolized antimicrobial particles is controlled by attracting the particles to preselected negatively charged regions within a treatment volume.

A system and methodology for rehydrating perishable items (e.g., flowers, fresh food items, such as fruits, vegetables, other produce, and nuts) during storage and transportation thereof. The osmotic rehydration apparatus includes a pressurized chamber, a humidifier, an ozone generator, an electrostatic sprayer, a reservoir containing saline, and an air compressor. The perishable items are placed in the osmotic chamber under positive pressure. A film of saline solution is applied to the surface of the perishable items via an electrostatic sprayer. The saline/chlorine film on the perishable items is dried, and the osmotic chamber is saturated with ozone gas via an ozone generator. The osmotic chamber is then saturated with tiny pure water droplets via a humidifier or an electrostatic sprayer. The pressure within the chamber is raised to a pressure above atmospheric pressure. The osmotic chamber is then placed inside a cooler at a temperature slightly above freezing.