UV light is now a killing force in the food industry.

Ultra violet (UV) light is starting to become common in the food industry.

It has long been known that a wound exposed to sunlight will heal more quickly with less chance of infection that any that are kept covered.

This is because UV light has a germicidal effect on many micro-organisms, including the food poisoning bacteria. The range of the light has a killing effect on bacteria, and so it is an excellent way to sanitise and sterilise.

So it is not surprising in an age where many companies are trying to find ways to reduce the use of chemicals in their business, due to costs and environmental factors, that a UV light is now becoming a common piece of equipment in many businesses.

There are different types and forms, but all have the ability to significantly reduce the bacterial content of foods and the bacterial load on contact surfaces.

A catering company has approached me recently about the viability of using UV Lights as their sanitising for all food contact surfaces, instead of the traditional approach of chemical santisers. This is not uncommon. In manufacturing these lights can be fitted into pipes as well as into conveyor lines to sterilize food.

It is not yet technology that is seen in all plants and businesses, but it will certainly be a technique that will have it’s place with chemical sanitisers, and heat as an option that can be used by food businesses of all sizes and types to ensure food safety.

Written by Rachelle Williams – the Green Food Safety Coach