"Innovative washing process for safe "ready-to-eat" salads"

On January 27th 2017, Federal Minister of Economics Christian Schmidt handed over the application papers for the project "SiMoHyPL Development of an Innovative Process for Increasing Microbiological Safety of Packed Salads through Monitoring and Hygenisation of Processed Water" at the International Green Week in Berlin.

Federal Minister of Economics Christian Schmidt (2nd from right) and the project partners after the handover. Photo: BLE

The project is supported by the BMEL innovation program over a period of 36 months and is managed by the project sponsor BLE (ptble). The project aims to develop an innovative method for the decontamination of the processed water, which is used when washing salads, in order to create microbiologically safe ready-to-eat salads whilst also reducing water consumption.

For this purpose the participating project partners, the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Technology and Bioeconomy eV, the aquagroup AG, Kronen GmbH and Havita Berlin Frischgemüse GmbH will develop a flow-though single-chamber electrolysis cell and integrate it into a salad washing system. Electrolysis is used to kill bacteria in the washing water, thus achieving its hygienisation. In order to be able to control the cell as required, the degree of contamination of the washing water will be monitored online.

In contrast to previous solutions, the electrolysis cell should work without any additives. This is in order to meet customer requirements for the most natural foods, free from additives. By recycling the treated water back into the washing process, this system is also more efficient.

Background
The preparation and eating habits of many people have changed considerably in recent years. Healthy eating has become much more topical. This also includes the consumption of fresh vegetables. Following increased demand, the market has responded with the development of new products. One of these products is the so-called "ready to eat" salad.

Worldwide, however, disease outbreaks can be attributed to the consumption of microbially loaded "ready-to-eat" products. In addition to endangering the consumer's safety as a result of the contaminated products, such outbreaks also result in considerable losses for farmers. Therefore, there is an acute need for action with regard to the development of innovative, efficient systems to increase the microbial safety of such products.

For more information:
Bundesanstalt für Landwirtschaft und Ernährung (BLE)
Deichmanns Aue 29
53179 Bonn
Tel.: 0228 6845-0