Food Safety Interventions Information
Click on the links below to access information on interventions available at each stage of the meat production process
| Contents Page | Introduction to Interventions | On Farm | Processing - hide on | Processing - hide off | Chilling | Packaging or Retail |
Gas Plasma
An Emerging Technology
Plasma-based sterilization effectively involves producing controlled lightning by applying microwaves to gases or vapours such as inert gas, oxygen or moisturised air. This results in free moving electrons, ions and neutral particles, which are contained in a field between two plates. Items to be sterilized are passed between these plates, and the contaminating microorganisms undergo intense electron or ion bombardment, so their spore coatings or cell wall materials are eroded, with fatal outcomesDownload more information on Gas Plasma 
| INTERVENTION SUMMARY | |
|---|---|
Location |
Packaging or retail |
Intervention Type |
Surface treatment of product |
Treatment Time |
Variable |
Regulations |
Not determined – technology very new |
Effectiveness |
Good |
Likely Cost |
High capital outlay |
Value for Money |
Good potential. If using air (ie. O 2 ) as the gas, can be cost effective |
Plant or Process Changes |
Space would be required for installation of the equipment |
Environmental Impact |
Energy is required, but no effluent produced |
Occupational Health and Safety |
The unit would require proper screening |
Advantages |
Can treat irregular surfaces There is potential for in-pack gas treatment (ie. treat the gas before adding to the pack), but it more feasible to surface treat the product before packaging No chemicals or residues produced. That is, the gases are ionised between the plates, and it is the gas that is in contact with the meat surface |
Disadvantages or Limitations |
Surface penetration only Consumer perception may be poor because of a perceived link to irradiation technology Possible surface oxidation Products are likely to be batch processed during treatment, but could be made continuous with conveyor feed |
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