Collaboration to spread electron beam technology down under

By Guy Montague-Jones

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Electron beam Food Australia

Collaboration to spread electron beam technology down under
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has joined up with the Fraunhofer Institute and Evonta-Service to improve access to electron beam technology in the Australian food industry.

Used for decontamination purposes in the food and drink sector, electron beam technology is billed as a clean, efficient and low-energy alternative to thermal and chemical processes.

Improving access

By joining forces with the Germany-based Fraunhofer Institute for Electron Beam and Plasma Technology and the service company Evonta, CSIRO plans to advance research into the technology and improve access to it for Australian food companies.

CSIRO scientist Dr Kai Knoerzer said: “As a result of this international partnership, CSIRO will lead the development and application of low-energy electron beam processing in the Australian food industry.

“Through CSIRO, industry can access this technology, which presents some very exciting opportunities. The collaboration is an important one for scientific research in Australia and we look forward to commercial outcomes for more food companies.”

How it works

Electron beams work by directing a shower of accelerated electrons through a high-voltage emitter towards a target. Explaining how this is helpful in the food industry, Knoerzer said: “This is an emerging technology that uses electrons to decontaminate the surfaces of foods like powders and fresh produce.
“It helps retain foods’ fresh flavour, odour and nutrients, which can be damaged by traditional heat treatment or by applying chemicals.”

On the back of the agreement with the Fraunhofer Institute and Evonta, CSIRO has already begun collaborative work with an Australian food company.

Stahmann Farms, the largest grower, processor and exporter of pecan nuts, has been working with CSIRO to use electron beams to help the company meet food safety guidelines in foreign markets.

Related topics Processing & Packaging

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