Written by Tyler R. Etter
In August of 2015, the Almond Board of California’s
Technical Expert Review Panel approved a new chemical-free pasteurization process
to eliminate pathogens such as salmonella. The process was created by RF
Biocidics for the Ready Roast Nut Company.
The need for pasteurization of almonds arose with outbreaks
of salmonella in the years of 2001 and 2004 from unpasteurized almonds.
However, the current chemical process using propylene oxide cannot be used for
organic almonds. The CEO of RF Biocidics considers the process to be a breakthrough
not only for the company, but also for the industry as a whole, due to the
non-chemical nature of the process.
Traditionally the pasteurization process has used steam
treatments or chemical processes such as propylene oxide usage, but these
processes can impact the nutritional qualities of the product. The APEX system
designed by RF Biocidics uses a process called “volumetric heating” that
utilizes radio waves to increase the metabolism of the cells, killing bacteria,
molds, and other pests and pathogens.
The APEX machines start at $1 million, with a base
processing level of 2,000 to 3,000 pounds per hour.
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