SAFETY
The ozonation technique is a safe way to remove harmful microorganisms. It prolongs the shelf life of products intended for consumption, ensures microbiological purity. The generated ozone oxidizes very quickly, leaving no harmful by-products. One important advantage is the increased safety of employees and the elimination of the need to use chemical agents. Additionally, the ozone is generated on site, which eliminates the need for transport and storage. Moreover, during continuous production, ozone generation is relatively cheap.
The ozonation technology provides great application possibilities, in a variety of settings in an increasing number of enterprises, as it constitutes a very safe, and environmentally neutral method of disinfection.
At present, ozone is an alternative to chlorine and hydrogen peroxide in food applications. Ozone may also have an effect on pesticides, herbicides and other persistent chemical residues from the production surface, which could lead to further application in agricultural production in the future.
Ozone is a robust antimicrobial and virucidal agent, which renders it suitable for use in food processing. The ozone molecule or its decomposition products (e.g. hydroxyl radicals) inactivate microorganisms by interacting with the intracellular enzymes, nucleic material and components of their cell envelope. It was concluded that when ozone is applied to food no residues are left over on the treated products. Ozone is suitable for decontamination of production, equipment, surfaces coming in contact with food, and the processing environment. It is applied on walls, floors, including storage areas and active production areas.
Ozone treatment is a reliable technology that could in the future protect producers against huge losses caused by the appearance of bacteria resistant to traditional disinfection, e.g. with the use of chlorine. Ozone has bactericidal effects and is about 50 times more effective and 3000 times faster than chlorine.
Ozone treatment is carried out without the use of chemical agents. Just 20 minutes after the procedure, the treated space is completely safe for humans and animals.
