Project Number: 1935-41420-008-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: May 01, 2001
End Date: Apr 30, 2006

Objective:
Develop a VSV surface pasteurization processor suitable for field-testing at poultry processing plants. Develop the surface pasteurization process for other fresh, unprocessed solid foods such as fish, fruits and vegetables especially cantaloupes, grapefruits, and mangoes. Develop the process for processed meat products, particularly hot dogs. Develop a novel, mild, electromagnetic pasteurization treatment for liquids. Model and simulate the bacterial destruction in the processes developed.

Approach:
Design, fabricate, and develop a field VSV surface pasteurizer suitable for testing on-site at processing plants. The unit will be capable of processing broiler carcasses immediately removed from poultry plants. Optimize the process variables, determine the effectiveness of pasteurization on-site and simulate and model the pasteurization process. Adapt the VSV unit and apply the process to fruits and vegetables. Develop a modified surface processor for processed meat products such as hot dogs. Adapt the process to other foods such as catfish. Using a uniquely modified RF heater, confirm or refute the existence of electromagnetic non-thermal effects on bacteria. Establish conditions of field strength and frequency that kill bacteria without heat.

Project Team

Kozempel, Michael Geveke, David Goldberg, Neil Huang, Lihan

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003   FY 2002   FY 2001