Read the article and check how ozone grain and feed sterilization can help to save losses in their storage phase.

5-15% of global cereal grain production is lost during storage. In some developing countries, this number can even reach 50%. Canada estimates that food waste is worth $31 billion annually. Stored-grain insects, fungi, and bacteria contamination pose a significant threat, especially to wheat grains.

There are not so many kinds of fumigants available in the market. Part of the reasons is that insects have resistance to many active ingredients. More than that, for potential health and environmental risks, the use of certain disinfectants in food processing has been banned by government. Certain insects like grain weevils develop in grain kernels. They are protected from chemical fumigants. So, for grain and feed sterilization, ozone has been the best alternative.

Ozone sterilization is utilized in various agro-food applications to reduce the risk of grain contamination. Studies confirm its effectiveness in disinfecting grains, wheat flour, and fighting microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and molds. Additionally, ozone sterilization can eliminate all storage insects and has a low operational cost.

Ozone, a potent disinfectant, decomposes quickly into harmless substances and doesn’t leave chemical residue on food or contact surfaces. Ozone gas is produced on-site and on-demand, eliminating the need for transportation or storage, unlike chemical sanitizers. Using ozone sterilization reduces a company’s environmental impact and expenses, while preserving grain quality.

ozone sterilization

Ozone Sterilization for Grain and Feed

Ozone, a reactive gas naturally found in the Earth’s stratosphere, can be produced in concentrated form to kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. This makes ozone a potent tool for disinfecting grains.

Ozone generators transform oxygen molecules (O2) into ozone (O3) by passing an electric current through them, breaking the bonds and creating ozone. This ozone gas is then combined with air or water and introduced into grain storage, transportation pipelines, or containers, where it targets and eliminates pathogens.

Ozone sterilization is a safe and eco-friendly when it is used for grain storage, unlike other chemical disinfectants. Within a few minutes, ozone decomposes into oxygen (O2), without leaving any hazardous residue or by-products. Furthermore, ozone’s potent oxidizing effect makes it highly effective in killing even the toughest pathogens.

ozone sterilization

Concentrated ozone gas plays a vital role in treating grains and preventing mold growth while maintaining their quality. Ozone sterilization are effective in preventing mold formation, and a concentration ranging from 0.05 to 0.1 ppm is ideal for rice grains. This concentration ensures that ozone penetrates the grain kernels and eliminates mold growth efficiently. However, it’s important to note that using a higher ozone concentration can cause over-oxidation, damaging the quality of rice grains.

To summarize, the essential attributes of ozone utilized in grain and feed sterilization are:

  • Ozone can kill most mycotoxins and pathogens in grains.
  • Grain ozone sterilization leaves no residues.
  • Ozone treatment is a cost-effective solution in the long run compared with other alternatives.
  • Ozone has been generally recognized as safe in the processing of food.
  • Ozone treatment helps increase the shelf life of grain products.
  • The use of ozone can change the properties of starch and protein.