Copper alloys surfaces touted as pathogen killers

By staff reporter

- Last updated on GMT

Three types of alloy surfaces containing at least 90 per cent
copper completely eliminate E. coli O157:H7, according to an
ongoing UK study of the pathogen-killing properties of the metal.

The study gives machine makers a range of options when deciding on the mix of metals they use tocoat the insides of their cooking surfaces, thus providing processors with a better means ofeliminating E. coli contamination in their products. E. coli O157:H7 is a harmful bacterium primarilyfound in raw and undercooked ground beef or foods that come into contact with raw meat.

The study could counter a current trend in the food processing sector to use equipment made of stainless steel in their plants. Stainless steel is believed to be easier to clean and does not corrode as easily as copper under the frequent chemical cleanings needed to remove harmful pathogens.

While FoodProductionDaily.com has previously reported on the general findings of the study, apress release issued yesterday by the University of Southampton found that silicon bronze, a mix of95 per cent copper, significantly reduced the E. coli strain in 45 minutes and completely eradicated in 75 minutes.

Brass, which is 85 per cent copper killed the bacteria in three hours. Red brass, which is 93 percent copper, eradicated it in 4.5 hours. Significant reductions were noted after six hours on Ni- Al bronze(81 per cent copper) and yellow brass (61 per cent copper), the scientists stated.

The tests were done at room temperature and the results compared with those obtained from usingstainless steel surfaces. The stainless steel had no effect on the viability of the E. coli at roomtemperature, the scientists stated.

The tests were also repeated at refrigeration temperature, about 39F. While the stainless steel had no effect on the E. coli,the three alloys with the highest copper content -- silicon bronze, red brass and brass -- eliminated it within three hours.

Jonathan Noyce, the lead author of the study, said it shows that alloys with 90 per cent ormore copper content are proven to have significant disinfection ability at both room andrefrigerated temperatures.

"Although stainless steel is easily cleaned, it is not intrinsically effective atreducing bacteria,"​ he said. "It would seem that the food processing andpreparation environments would benefit from using materials, like copper, that are inherentlyantimicrobial."

The study was originally published in the June 2006 issue of Applied and EnvironmentalMicrobiology.

The study was funded by the Copper Development Association Inc. and the International Copper Association Ltd.

Escherichia coli O157 is one of the most serious food-borne pathogens worldwide, causing symptoms ranging from diarrhea to hemorrhagic colitis. Cattle is a major reservoir of E. coli O157, therefore outbreaks are primarily associated with consumption of undercooked ground beef, the researchers stated

Related topics Ingredients

Related news

Related products

show more

Sweeten Your Treats with Sustainable Syrups

Sweeten Your Treats with Sustainable Syrups

Content provided by Green Plains Inc. | 03-Oct-2024 | Insight Guide

Elevate your products with Green Plains’ premium, low carbon-intensity corn syrups. Drop-in replacements with an up to 40% lower carbon footprint than...

Breakthrough ingredients for better-for-you bread

Breakthrough ingredients for better-for-you bread

Content provided by ADM | 03-Oct-2024 | White Paper

Our new flour blend is a carefully curated blend of clinically studied ingredients to help you create better-for-you bread that tastes great to help you...

Leveraging the Power of Enzymes to Maximize Value

Leveraging the Power of Enzymes to Maximize Value

Content provided by IFF | 18-Sep-2024 | Application Note

In today’s dynamic bakery industry, excelling requires more than just great taste. With tightening budgets and rising expectations, manufacturers must...

Improve texture, volume & appearance with Corbion

Improve texture, volume & appearance with Corbion

Content provided by Corbion | 02-Sep-2024 | White Paper

Consumers think twice about products that vary in quality. Delivering superior experiences consistently is the best way to keep consumers satisfied and...

Related suppliers

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars