New Technology to Replace Traditional Food Processing

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is working with the Fraunhofer Institute and Evonta-Service to improve electron beam technology for the Australian food industry.

The technology uses electrons to decontaminate the surface of foods such as powders and fresh produce.

A shower of accelerated electrons is directed through a high-voltage emitter and start working after coming in contact with the foodstuffs.

CSIRO said the process helps retain the flavour, odour and nutrients of a product, which can be damaged by traditional heat treatment or by applying chemicals.

The process can be an alternative to thermal and chemical processes, it said.