10 Oct Radio Frequency Pasteurization of RTE (Ready to Eat) Corn Flour and Rice Flour
Radio Frequency Pasteurization of RTE (Ready to Eat) Corn Flour and Rice Flour Validated for >5 log Reduction in Micro Count.
Radio Frequency Company of Millis, MA is announcing their Macrowave™ RF (radio frequency) pasteurization systems have been fully validated for the treatment of corn and rice flour achieving a greater than 5 log reduction of microbes including salmonella, E. coli and listeria.
How Radio Frequency Heating Works: The unique structure of the “polar” water molecule, is the basis for the thermal response of water when subjected to an alternating RF energy field. In a Radio Frequency Pasteurization System, the RF generator creates an alternating electric field between two electrodes, above and below the conveyor. This alternating electric field causes the product to heat rapidly and uniformly throughout the entire thickness of the product whether it is in bags, or loose on a troughed conveyor.
Is Radio Frequency Heating Safe? RF heating is a thermal process caused by a non-ionizing electromagnetic form of energy just like an FM radio transmitter. The USDA does not view the RF thermal process as an added ingredient. Therefore, an organic product treated with RF can carry the certified organic label. Additionally, the FDA does not view the RF thermal process as invalidating the application of “natural” on the label, unlike irradiation, which is considered an additive, and therefore requires approval and special labeling.
Key Benefits for utilizing RF Pasteurization for Dry Ingredients: RF Volumetric Heating means there is no temperature differential from the surface to center, and no prolonged soak time which could be damaging to protein functionality. A Short Heating Cycle allows the product to maintain protein functionality, and other organoleptic and nutritional qualities. Also, the Rapid Temperature Rise reduces the ability for microbes to acclimate themselves to defend against high temperatures.
Conclusion: RF Pasteurization is a fully commercialized treatment for food ingredients and finished goods. It is a USDA Organic Thermal Process, FDA Clean Label, FSMA compatible as a Critical Control Point Kill Step, and is able to be validated to comply with FSMA regulations.
Radio Frequency Company’s Macrowave™ systems alone pasteurize over 1.25 billion pounds per annum both domestically and internationally. For more information, please visit www.radiofrequency.com or contact Lisa Mitchell at lmitchell@radiofrequency.com
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