Listeria Prevention in Food Processing: How Blue Evolution Drysteam Machines Help You Neutralize It

In recent years, the South African food industry has faced significant challenges in preventing and controlling Listeria contamination. The 2017-2018 listeriosis outbreak, linked to contaminated processed meat products from Tiger Brands, served as a wake-up call for food manufacturers across the country. This tragic event, which resulted in over 200 deaths, highlighted the critical importance of robust food safety measures and the need for innovative solutions in listeria prevention.

As food safety officers and manufacturers in South Africa continue to strengthen their defences against foodborne pathogens, new technologies are emerging to address these challenges. One such innovation is the Blue Evolution range of drysteam machines, which offers a comprehensive approach to sanitation and listeria prevention in food processing environments.

Understanding Listeria and Its Challenges in Food Processing

Listeria monocytogenes, the bacterium responsible for listeriosis, poses a unique threat to the food industry due to its resilience and adaptability. This pathogen can survive and even grow in cold environments, making it particularly problematic for refrigerated food production facilities. Some key challenges in listeria prevention include:

1. Biofilm formation: Listeria can form biofilms on surfaces, making it resistant to traditional cleaning methods.

2. Hard-to-reach areas: The bacterium can thrive in cracks, crevices, and other difficult-to-clean spaces in food processing equipment.

3. Cross-contamination: Listeria can easily spread from one surface to another, potentially contaminating previously unaffected areas.

4. Persistence: Once established in a food processing environment, Listeria can be challenging to eradicate completely.

Lessons from the Tiger Brands Listeriosis Outbreak

The 2017-2018 listeriosis outbreak linked to Tiger Brands' processed meat products was a turning point for food safety in South Africa. This incident underscored several critical lessons for food manufacturers:

1. The importance of rigorous environmental monitoring programs

2. The need for regular and thorough sanitation of all food contact surfaces

3. The critical role of employee training in maintaining food safety standards

4. The value of investing in advanced cleaning and sanitation technologies

Food safety officers and manufacturers across South Africa must learn from this incident and implement proactive measures to prevent similar outbreaks in the future.

Introducing the Blue Evolution Drysteam Machines

The Blue Evolution range of drysteam machines, in particular the Blue Evolution S+ and Blue Evolution XL+, represents a significant advancement in food safety technology, offering a powerful solution for listeria prevention in food processing environments.

These innovative machines combine several key features that make them particularly effective in combating Listeria and other foodborne pathogens:

1. Drysteam Technology

The core of the Blue Evolution system is its drysteam technology. Drysteam is superheated steam with a low moisture content, typically less than 5%. This high-temperature, low-moisture steam offers several advantages in food processing sanitation:

• Effective penetration: Drysteam can reach into cracks, crevices, and porous surfaces where Listeria often hides.

• Thermal inactivation: The high temperature (up to 180°C) effectively kills Listeria and other pathogens on contact.

• Low moisture: The minimal water content reduces the risk of creating a moist environment favourable for bacterial growth.

2. Built-in Vacuum System

The integrated vacuum system in Blue Evolution machines offers multiple benefits for listeria prevention:

• Immediate extraction: As the drysteam loosens and lifts contaminants, the vacuum immediately removes them, preventing redeposition.

• Dry surfaces: The vacuum helps ensure surfaces are left dry after cleaning, reducing the risk of bacterial growth.

• Aerosol reduction: By capturing steam and particulates, the vacuum system minimizes the spread of potentially contaminated aerosols.

3. Water Filtration

The Blue Evolution machines incorporate a sophisticated water filtration system, which serves several purposes in listeria prevention:

• Contaminant capture: The water filter traps removed particles and pathogens, preventing their release back into the environment.

• Water purification: By filtering the water used to generate steam, the system ensures that no additional contaminants are introduced during the cleaning process.

• Waste reduction: The filtration system allows for the safe disposal of captured contaminants, reducing the risk of cross-contamination.

4. UVC Light Disinfection

The incorporation of UVC light technology in the Blue Evolution machines adds an extra layer of protection against Listeria:

• DNA disruption: UVC light damages the DNA of microorganisms, rendering them unable to reproduce.

• Continuous disinfection: The UVC light operates continuously during the cleaning process, providing ongoing sterilization.

• Chemical-free: This method of disinfection doesn't rely on chemicals, reducing the risk of chemical residues on food contact surfaces.

Implementing Blue Evolution Machines in Food Processing Facilities

For food safety officers and manufacturers in South Africa looking to enhance their listeria prevention strategies, the implementation of Blue Evolution drysteam machines can offer significant benefits:

1. Comprehensive Sanitation

The combination of drysteam, vacuum, water filtration, and UVC light provides a multi-faceted approach to sanitation. This comprehensive system can effectively clean and disinfect a wide range of surfaces and equipment in food processing facilities, from conveyor belts and cutting boards to complex machinery and hard-to-reach areas.

2. Time and Labour Efficiency

Blue Evolution machines can significantly reduce the time and labor required for thorough sanitation. The high-temperature steam quickly breaks down biofilms and other contaminants, while the integrated vacuum system immediately removes debris. This efficiency allows for more frequent and thorough cleaning, crucial for listeria prevention.

3. Reduced Water and Chemical Usage

The drysteam technology uses minimal water compared to traditional cleaning methods, making it an environmentally friendly option. Additionally, the high temperature of the steam often eliminates the need for chemical sanitizers, reducing chemical residues on food contact surfaces and minimizing the risk of chemical contamination.

4. Versatility in Application

Blue Evolution machines can be used on a wide variety of surfaces and equipment, making them versatile tools in food processing environments. From stainless steel surfaces to plastic conveyor belts, these machines can adapt to different cleaning needs within a facility.

5. Enhanced HACCP Compliance

The consistent and measurable performance of Blue Evolution machines can help food processors meet and exceed HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) standards. The machines provide a reliable and reproducible cleaning process, which is essential for maintaining consistent food safety standards.

Best Practices for Listeria Prevention with Blue Evolution Machines

To maximize the effectiveness of Blue Evolution drysteam machines in listeria prevention, food safety officers should consider the following best practices:

1. Develop a comprehensive cleaning schedule: Identify all potential Listeria harbourage sites and establish a regular cleaning routine using the Blue Evolution machines.

2. Train employees thoroughly: Ensure that all staff members are properly trained in the use of the Blue Evolution machines and understand the importance of thorough sanitation in listeria prevention.

3. Implement robust monitoring: Regularly test surfaces and equipment for Listeria and other pathogens to verify the effectiveness of the cleaning process.

4. Maintain equipment properly: Follow manufacturer guidelines for maintenance and servicing of the Blue Evolution machines to ensure optimal performance.

5. Integrate with existing food safety protocols: Incorporate the use of Blue Evolution machines into your overall food safety management system, including HACCP plans and environmental monitoring programs.

Conclusion

The lessons learned from the Tiger Brands listeriosis outbreak have underscored the critical importance of effective listeria prevention strategies in food processing. As the South African food industry continues to evolve and strengthen its food safety practices, innovative technologies like the Blue Evolution drysteam machines offer powerful tools in the fight against foodborne pathogens.

By combining drysteam technology with integrated vacuum systems, water filtration, and UVC light disinfection, these machines provide a comprehensive solution for listeria prevention. For food safety officers and manufacturers in South Africa, investing in such advanced sanitation technologies can significantly enhance food safety protocols, protect consumer health, and safeguard brand reputation.

As we move forward, it's crucial for the food industry to remain vigilant and proactive in adopting new technologies and best practices for food safety. The Blue Evolution range of drysteam machines represents a significant step forward in this ongoing effort, offering a powerful weapon in the arsenal against Listeria and other foodborne pathogens.