Logo
SIGN IN

LANGUAGE

Research Efforts Lower the Safety Risk of Germicidal Ultraviolet Lights

By Dr. Suzanne Osborne

A new twist on an old technology means the food industry could soon harness greater benefits from ultraviolet (UV) light. Although it’s been used to fight foodborne illness for more than 50 years, new research is showing it can be a more practical choice for widescale use.

Light travels in waves and is classified by the distance between each wave. Any light waves that range between 10 nanometres (nm) and 400nm apart are considered UV. Humans might not be able to see UV light—it sits just outside our visible range—but it can penetrate our skin and eyes and trigger chemical reactions. Short exposure will cause pain and redness (sunburn); exposure over long periods of time can lead to skin cancer, accelerated skin aging, and cataracts.

The beauty of UV light is that it can eliminate pathogens without chemicals, by-products, or changes to the properties of the food.

UV Sterilization
Bacteria and viruses have thinner cell barriers compared to human cells. The human body is further protected by the multiple layers of cells that make up our skin. Because of this, as light waves become closer to a distance of 200nm apart, humans can withstand UV light, while pathogens are killed.

The beauty of UV light is that it can eliminate pathogens without chemicals, by-products, or changes to the properties of the food. It is relatively cost effective, efficient, and highly compatible with other treatment processes. Its main drawback for years has been its limited penetration depth, and so UV sterilization has generally been limited to decontaminating surfaces, the air, and clear liquids.

Whoops! Article for GFSR Subscribers Only!


Not a subscriber yet? Sign-up for a FREE subscription today!

Get access to this article, along with our other great content, monthly journal, and more.

SIGN ME UP

Sftharticlefooter R1

Visit our Food Safety Training Platform to Access eCourses, Educational Webinars, and More!

Global Food Safety Resource®

GFSR is a leading educational resource for food safety professionals across the globe. Through our online media channels plus Safe Food Training Hub (SFTH) platform, we deliver perspectives, knowledge and training on the latest food safety trends, regulatory compliance, industry standards, and more.

globalfoodsafetyresource.com | safefoodtraininghub.com
Logos Duallockup

Corporate Head Office

503-1316 Kingston Rd.
Scarborough ON
Canada, M1N 0C6

Phone: 1-888-437-7395 x105