Food Chain - Issue 198 - February 2024 | Page 17

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Food waste
move from one type of food product to another , simply and quickly . Both the equipment and the nitrogen can be configured in a way that matches the scale of the food processing operation - reducing any waste that may occur during the manufacturing process .
Rapid cryogenic chilling uses the same process method as with cryogenic freezing and manufacturers can accurately control the process according to the customer ’ s product requirements , and ensure constant , reliable processing and greater efficiency .
But why is speed that important ? The faster a product is cooled , the faster it becomes microbiologically stable , and generally speaking , the lower the temperature , the slower bacteria will grow . Fast chilling in this way allows the food products to reach that safe holding temperature quickly . Similarly to MAP , cryogenic freezing and chilling helps to ensure the product is high quality , safe produce that has a longer shelf life , consequently reducing waste .
Ultimately , whether it ’ s via better packaging solutions , or improved processing through MAP or cryogenic cooling / freezing , reducing food waste is good business , economically and environmentally . Greater innovation and collaboration are key to overcoming challenges while meeting consumer demand . It ’ s vital that the food industry and its suppliers work together . ■
For a list of the sources used in this article , please contact the editor .
Jon Trembley www . airproducts . co . uk
Jon Trembley is Lead Cryogenic Applications at Air Products . Air Products touches the lives of consumers around the globe in positive ways every day . Focused on serving energy , environment and emerging markets , the company provides essential industrial gases , related equipment and applications expertise to customers in dozens of industries , including refining , chemical , metals , electronics , manufacturing , and food and beverage .
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