Moistening fruit and vegetables - also known as dry-misting - is now quite common in foreign supermarkets. This technique is now also being used more and more in the Netherlands. Moistening fruit and vegetables leads to less dehydration and a more attractive presentation, thus reducing food waste, which is a good thing after all. However, there are also a number of points of interest concerning dry-misting that you have to take into account.
Technology
Dry misting is a technique in which cold water is sprayed into tiny droplets over unpackaged products. Since the water has already evaporated before it reaches the product, the product remains dry. As a result of this evaporation, the temperature above the product drops and the addition of moisture reduces the drying out of the product. The water that is atomized is usually purified through filters or UV lamps.
Risks
Despite the fact that the water is filtered or disinfected via UV, it is good to make a risk inventory of the dry mist installation. How is the installation constructed, where exactly is this disinfection step located, which pipes are still in place after this disinfection and what temperatures can the water in the pipes reach?
A known risk with water vapor is Legionella. Legionella grows at temperatures between 25-60°C, which is higher than the temperature of the atomized water should be. In addition, it is important to look closely at whether there might be any stagnant water somewhere in the piping system that could heat up. Replacing water is certainly important in this case
Control
Because taking legionella samples from dry fog is difficult, according to the guidelines 500 ml of water is required. It is better to carry out a risk assessment of the piping and temperatures in order to avoid the dangers. Based on this, a plan can be drawn up in which it is laid down which maintenance and control tasks must be carried out in order to minimize the risk of the growth of (legionella) bacteriën.
Want to know more?
C-mark experts can carry out a risk assessment and advise you on the control measures to be taken. To find out what effect dry-misting has on the quality of your products, please contact Eurofins Food Safety Solutions.
