What is ozone used for in food processing?

What is ozone used for in food processing?

• A. Disinfecting and sanitizing
• B. Freezing food
• C. Modifying atmospheric packaging
• D. Blanching vegetables

Answer: (B)

Ozone in food processing is used primarily as a sanitizer. It acts as a powerful oxidant that quickly inactivates bacteria, yeasts, molds, and some viruses on surfaces, in wash water, and sometimes in the air around processing facilities. One key advantage is that ozone breaks down back into oxygen, leaving no residue when used at appropriate concentrations, which makes it attractive for non-thermal sanitization and odor/contaminant control. It’s commonly applied to sanitize water used for washing produce, sanitize equipment and surfaces, and, in some cases, treat the packaging environment to extend shelf life. Freezing food, blanching vegetables, or primarily modifying packaging atmospheres are different processes that don’t rely on ozone’s antimicrobial action.

Ozone in food processing is used primarily as a sanitizer. It acts as a powerful oxidant that quickly inactivates bacteria, yeasts, molds, and some viruses on surfaces, in wash water, and sometimes in the air around processing facilities. One key advantage is that ozone breaks down back into oxygen, leaving no residue when used at appropriate concentrations, which makes it attractive for non-thermal sanitization and odor/contaminant control. It’s commonly applied to sanitize water used for washing produce, sanitize equipment and surfaces, and, in some cases, treat the packaging environment to extend shelf life. Freezing food, blanching vegetables, or primarily modifying packaging atmospheres are different processes that don’t rely on ozone’s antimicrobial action.