Listeria is a common term to refer to a specific strain of bacteria species. There are seven (7) known species of Listeria. The specific species L. monocytogenes is the cause of Listeriosis, a serious infection caused by eating food contaminated with this strain of bacteria. This disease can be deadly and will pose a greater risk to those with weakened immune system. Both L. monocytogenes, and Liseteriosis, are commonly known only as Listeria, and Listeria illness.

Listeria is found in soils, this can lead to fruit and vegetable contamination. Listeria can also be found in all types of meat products, milk, and eggs. Higher risk foods are any uncooked or undercooked foods, unpasteurized milk, raw vegetables, and some ready-to-eat foods.

Click here to learn more about Listeria from the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention).

Ozone can be used for the reduction, or elimination of L. monocytogenes on food products. Since achieving GRAS approval for the use of ozone for direct contact with food in 2001 the use of ozone for the elimination of L. monocytogenes has increased significantly.

To eliminate Listeria or any other bacteria with ozone successful implementation of ozone is necessary. While every application is different, there are a few fundamentals that will apply in most applications.

Implementation of Ozone

Aqueous Ozone

The most common method of using ozone for pathogen reduction is by dissolving ozone into water. Aqueous ozone is very stable, safe, and easy to manage. Typically, ozone is dissolved into water using an Ozone Injection System and then sprayed onto the surface requiring disinfection. This surface may be a hard equipment surface, or the surface of a food product.

In 2000, the Journal of Food Science published a paper by Kim & Yousef showing the effect of dissolved ozone in a batch reactor on Listeria monocytogenes. Dissolved ozone at 0.4 and 0.8 ppm inactivated 4.6 and 5.7 log CFU/ml within 30 seconds. Additional tests were run at higher dissolved ozone levels. Higher dissolved ozone levels did show faster (immediate) inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes.

Dissolved ozone can be sprayed on food and produce using spray bars, or other spraying methods. Conveyers work well to allow the sufficient contact time, and offer full coverage of the aqueous ozone. It is important that all of the produce is contacted by the aqueous ozone to achieve desired antimicrobial intervention. Contact times can be varied by altering conveyer speeds, spray tip design, and spray bar design/quantity. If water is already used in an application to wash produce it is very simple to add ozone to this water and achieve an antimicrobial intervention step without any major changes to the current processes.

Gaseous ozone

The use of gaseous ozone for the elimination of pathogens is less common. There is less research showing the effects of gaseous ozone on bacteria. The application of gaseous ozone is dependent upon the temperature, humidity, contact time, and ozone levels. Research has been conducted to determine that gaseous ozone will reduce and inactivate L. monocytogenes; however, more research is necessary to determine the effectiveness of ozone within different variables.

Produce in need of disinfection can be placed in chambers, rooms, or even cargo containers for ozone treatment. A sealed area that can contain the produce and ozone gas while maintaining human safety will work. It is necessary to assure sufficient air movement past each piece of produce. Ozone levels from 1.0 — 100 ppm are used in this application with contact times from 20 minutes to 10 hours. For more information on the potential of using gaseous ozone in your application contact our application engineers today.

Click here for more information and to view ozone research papers on this topic

Bakersfield, CA — Mazzei Injector Company has announced the addition of Paul Overbeck as its new Vice President of Sales and Marketing and the appointment of Geoffrey Whynot as its new Chief Operating and Financial Officer.

Paul Overbeck brings vast experience in water and wastewater process technologies with him to Mazzei. Paul joined Mazzei on January 16, 2012 after serving as the Executive Director of both the International Ozone Association (IOA) and the International Ultraviolet Association (IUVA). Fornerly, Paul was directly involved in the development of Mazzei’s GDT™ Process as President of GDT Corporation and was Chief Operating Officer of Osmonics (now a part of GE Power & Water), among other senior positions.

Geoffrey Whynot joined Mazzei in 2010 as its Chief Financial Officer and now will service in the dual capacity as Mazzei’s Chief Operating and Financial Officer. Geoffrey has extensive finance and accounting background as Chief Financial Officer in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, technology, and communication companies both locally and nationally.

Angelo Mazzei, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mazzei, noted that “Paul Overbeck is very familiar with our company because of his former association with GDT. His background and experience will help continue our outstanding growth in the municipal and industrial water and wastewater industries as well as the agricultural and other markets.

“Geoff Whynot’s executive management experience in a variety of industries is invaluable to us,” said Mr. Mazzei. “His background in strategic planning and analysis, finance, systems development and proven ability to increase operating profits, gives us strong operational leadership.”

Source: http://www.mazzei.net/

Ozone use in the production of organic food

Organic food products are gaining popularity throughout the world. As concerns from potentially harmful chemicals, hormones, and other synthetic based products grow, the allure of organic foods continues to increase. Organic foods are typically foods that are grown without pesticides, herbicides, chemicals, or growth hormones. This means the food you are eating is more natural and free of synthetic products.

The National Organic Program (NOP) was established by the USDA to create rules and guidelines to ensure that organic labeled foods are truly organic. The NOP is responsible for administrating and enforcing the regulatory framework for the national organic standards. The NOP regulations cover in detail all aspects of food production, processing, delivery, and sale. There are three levels of organic foods.

• 100% Organic — Products made entirely with certified organic ingredients and methods
• Organic — Products with at least 95% organic ingredients
• Made with organic ingredients — Products containing a minimum of 70% organic ingredients

http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/nop

Only foods that are categorized as 100% Organic, or Organic (95%), are allowed to display the USDA Organic label on the product to consumers.

There are various regulations and rules that will dictate what ingredients can be used for organic food products. Ozone can be used in some organic applications, but not all. The regulations are sometimes hard to find and not in one central location. Below are a few locations in the organic registry where ozone is listed.

Ozone as an ingredient:

Ozone can be used as an ingredient in organic foods. However, these foods will not be able to maintain a 100% organic rating. They will only be allowed an Organic, or Made with organic ingredients label.

This information can be found in CFR 205.605

USDA wording from CFR 205.605

§ 205.605 Nonagricultural (nonorganic) substances allowed as ingredients in or on processed products labeled as “organic” or “made with organic (specified ingredients or food group(s)).”

The following non-agricultural substances may be used as ingredients in or on processed products labeled as “organic” or “made with organic (specified ingredients or food group(s))” only in accordance with any restrictions specified in this section.

Ozone is listed in this section follow link below:
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2011/janqtr/pdf/7cfr205.605.pdf

Ozone in crop production:

Ozone can be used in the production of crops. Ozone is considered a synthetic substance and regulated as such in crop production. Ozone is allowed for cleaning of irrigation systems only. Provided ozone is used in this manner, all crops will maintain 100% organic rating.

This information can be found in CFR 205.601

USDA wording from CFR 205.601

§ 205.601 Synthetic substances allowed for use in organic crop production.

In accordance with restrictions specified in this section, the following synthetic substances may be used in organic crop production: Provided that, use of such substances do not contribute to contamination of crops, soil, or water. Substances allowed by this section, except disinfectants and sanitizers in paragraph (a) and those substances in paragraphs (c), (j), (k), and (l) of this section, may only be used when the provisions set forth in §205.206(a) through (d) prove insufficient to prevent or control the target pest.

Ozone gas — for use as an irrigation system cleaner only.

Link to this section below:
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2011/janqtr/pdf/7cfr205.601.pdf

Ozone in production surface sanitation:

Ozone can be used in food processing, distribution, and retail centers as a surface sanitation on food contact surfaces. This is referenced in CRF 205.605, however it is made clear in the following document:

USDA wording from: The USDA National Organic Program Requirements for Food Retailers and Distribution Centers

The regulations identify some chlorine materials that may be used to sanitize food-contact surfaces, including calcium hypochlorite, chlorine dioxide, and sodium hypochlorite; hydrogen peroxide and ozone are also permitted. See 7 C.F.R. 205.605.

Link to this entire document below:
http://www.fmi.org/gr/USDA_OrganicProgram.pdf

These are the regulations within the NOP that contain ozone. Unfortunately at this time the USDA and the NOP have not given ozone the same latitude it has in other food processing environments similar to the GRAS approval for direct contact with food ozone was given by both the USDA and FDA. We are hopeful that in time, the USDA will allow the use of ozone in more organic applications. As ozone is produced from oxygen, and quickly returns to oxygen after oxidation of potentially deadly pathogens we feel that ozone should be given a greater role in the production of safe 100% organic foods.

Should you have any questions about the use of ozone in your organic growing application, please feel free to contact Ozone Solutions’ Application Engineers, we would be glad to discuss the potential solutions we can offer your application.

See this full webpage on our website at our organic growing with ozone page

Ozone Analyzer Calibration

Ozone Solutions can now calibrate your Ozone analyzer

Ozone Analyzers (ozone monitors based on the UV Absorption method of measurement) should be calibrated annually to maintain proper accuracy. Ozone Solutions has sold and serviced ozone analyzers for over 8 years and can calibrate your UV analyzer at our full service repair and calibration facility here in Hull, IA.

Low Cost! – Ozone Solutions offers a low, $300 flat rate calibration fee

NIST Traceable Calibration – All of our calibrations are NIST traceable and come with a calibration certificate for your files. Our comparison standards and ozone calibrators are based on a NIST traceable transfer standard that is calibrated every 6-months. The calibration certificate includes customer information, device information, standards information, environmental testing conditions, as-received data for the device and final data for the device. Further data can be added, if necessary, to meet your regulatory requirements. E-mail us for a sample copy!

Ozone Analyzer Assessment – Prior to calibration, all analyzers are inspected for problems and warmed up for a minimum of 12 hours, then readings are taken to establish “As Received” data. They are then cleaned (internal and external) and flushed to eliminate residue that may interfere with readings. All device functions are checked for proper operation prior to calibration service.

Controlled Environment – Our calibration lab is an enclosed environment that allows us to monitor and control our testing environment. In addition, the use of controlled chambers and high-end ozone calibrators allow for calibration at stable ozone levels

Analyzer Repair

If our analyzer assessment and calibration process reveals any components that are failed (or are otherwise outside of standard operating specifications), then those components will need to be replaced before calibration can proceed. In those instances, the customer is notified and a repair estimate is sent for approval prior to that work being performed. See our Ozone Analyzer Repair page for further details.

Brands Serviced:

• API-Teledyne
• Eco-Sensors
• 2B Technologies
• IN-USA
• Anseros
• Dasibi
• Aeroqual
• Wedeco
• and more!

View this full Ozone Analyzer Calibration page on our website HERE

Looking for a used ozone analyzer?  Check our our list of used ozone analyzers for sale!

Learn more about how an ozone analyzer can be used to verify the output of your ozone generator

As a past customer of Ozone Solutions for water treatment products we wanted to make you aware of a recent improvement to the Dissolved Ozone Vacuvial test kit (K-7404) and Digital Dissolved Ozone Meter(I-2019), produced by CHEMetrics.  We believe that both of the updates will provide a great solution to your ozone monitoring needs.

The Dissolved Ozone Test Kit,K-7404, formerly known as the K-7402,  can now read high levels of ozone, up to 3 PPM.  This kit uses colorimetic tubes for easy ozone readings. This is a great all inclusive kit.

The Digital Dissolved Ozone Meter (I-2019) now has a range of  0.2 to 5.0 PPM.  This unit is easy to use and an accurate way to measure ozone in water.

The improved vacuvials use a safety tip to ensure no broken glass is left after the vial is broken.

Instruction videos have been created with simple step by step instructions on using each device.  These videos can be view here:

K-7404 – Ozone Test Kit – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUf96P_5-1s&feature=player_embedded

I-2019 – Dissolved Ozone Meter – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ig7FgtNqlYs&feature=player_embedded

For more information on the K-7404 or I-2019, or any of our ozone equipment, please call or e-mail us today.

See original article HERE

Monday, January 16, 2012 08:00 IST
Nandita Vijay, Bangalore

Global food scientists are now recommending the use of ozone which is being viewed and recognised as a promising food processing agent.

Ozone is increasingly accepted as an environment-friendly technology. The multi-functionality of ozone makes it a promising food processing agent. Excess ozone decomposes rapidly to produce oxygen and this leaves no residue in foods from its decomposition, according to Brijesh Tiwari, researcher, food and consumer technology, Manchester Metropolitan University and School of Food Science and Environmental Health, Dublin Institute of Technology.

In particular, the USFDA rulings on ozone usage in food have resulted in increased interest in potential food applications worldwide. Ozone as an oxidant is used in water treatment, washing and disinfection of equipment, odour removal and fruits vegetable, meat and seafood processing.

The key drivers of ozone usage in the food industry are regulation, surface cleanings, food safety, nutrient, sensory aspect, technology advances and shelf life extension, he stated in a presentation on—Ozone a leading food processing technology—here recently. 

Full article HERE

To learn more about the use of ozone for food processing click HERE

Ozone Solutions is a distributor for most major Ozone Analyzers and Ozone Monitors.  We have established a full service repair and calibration department for our ozone monitors to better serve our customers.  Due to our capabilities we are now selling used and refurbished ozone analyzers.

API-400 Ozone Analyzer (EPA Approved Analyzer)

Click HERE to see our Used and Refurbished Ozone Analyzers

Our current list of ozone analyzers will be updated frequently as we get new stock of used ozone analyzers to repair and refurbish weekly.

PCI-Wedeco High Concentration Analyzer

All ozone analyzers on our ozone classified page will be sold with a guarantee that they work upon arrival, and may come with up to a 1-year warranty.  All Analyzers will have fresh calibration certificates providing NIST traceable calibrations.

2B UV-106 Ozone Analyzer

To see our full line of new Ozone Analyzers click HERE.  Ozone Solutions Sells new ozone analyzers from most major brands and can suggest the right analyzer for your project!

Due to the acquisition of Hess Machine by Ozone Solutions in 2010 we have the opportunity to offer updated technology in your current Hess Machine Ozone Generator.

Using the Q-45H dissolved ozone monitor, or another dissolved ozone monitor this control package will offer completely automated control of your ozone generator.

Learn more about the full line of Hess Machine ozone products HERE.

To learn if this is the right solution for your Hess Machine Ozone Generator Contact Us Today!

FDAs Summary of Literature Findings on Microbiological Safety Issues and Preventive Controls

It should be noted that ozone is the only oxidant specifically mentioned by name for controlling microbiological issues.  It is most likely due to the fact that ozone work so well at reducing microbiological counts on produce.  Applying a minimal amount of ozone in either gas or aqueous form can achieve impressive results.

To see the actual FDA document, click on the link below:

GMPs – Appendix A: Annotated Bibliography on Food Safety Problems and Recommended Controls

To learn more about how ozone can help you, see this food processing page.

EPA Chart showing log 4 virus inactivation with ozone vs. temperature

In other words, the disinfection rate was found to be relatively independent of temperature despite the reduction in solubility and reduced stability at higher temperatures.

If hot water reduces the solubility of ozone, how is Ozone Solutions addressing the lower solubility issue?

Generating high ozone gas concentrations provides better ozone mass transfer into water.  We generate these high concentrations by:

• using an oxygen concentrator to provide a 90% pure oxygen feed gas to the corona cell thereby increasing the generated ozone concentration
• using a high-frequency ozone generator which can generate ozone concentrations in excess of 7% by weight

Contact Ozone Solutions at 712-439-6880 for more information.