food Marketing - Technology 6/2023

Processing
Revolutionizing Sanitization with
Microwave and RF Technologies
SAIREM, a leading specialist in
microwave (MW) and radio frequency
(RF) industrial solutions based in Lyon,
France, showcased its sanitization
technologies at Food Ingredients Europe
in Frankfurt. The company focussed on
innovative systems designed for the
decontamination of various ingredients,
including powders, peppercorns, flours,
nuts, and more. Additionally, these
systems can be used for the disinfestation
of plant-based foods and ingredients
such as cereals and pulses. SAIREM
has responded to client demands by
developing highly efficient processes
that enable the production of ingredients
to meet high health and cleanliness
standards. These ingredients are also
fully compatible with the requirements of
organic farming certification.
This showcase highlights SAIREM’s
commitment to providing advanced
solutions for the food industry, promoting
food safety, and ensuring the quality of
ingredients used in various food products.
Elimination of potential
contamination in ingredients
SAIREM RF and MW systems for thermal
treatments, offer a safe and eco-friendly
solution for eliminating mould, yeast, and
bacteria from ingredients.
SAIREM‘s systems are particularly
well-suited for the production of trendy
superfood products and plant-based
protein alternatives. Precious ingredients
like nuts undergo gentle treatment,
resulting in a final product of exceptional
quality with a reduction of 4-5 Log in
microbial load. The highly efficient RF and
MW process takes only a few minutes,
ensuring that each ingredient quickly
reaches the required temperature
uniformly. Since the processing time is
so brief, there is no compromise on the
physical, chemical, and organoleptic
properties of the product – all its
characteristics are perfectly preserved.
starch powder (achieving an impressive
6.87 Log reduction).
Disinfestation of all forms of insects
using MW technology
Numerous premium ingredients face the
threat of contamination. SAIREM’s MW
technology presents a solution wherein
parasites are deactivated through brief,
homogenous exposure to a microwave
field within a controlled temperature
process. These processes are performed
without the need of harmful
chemical agents. This makes SAIREM’s
decontamination systems a significant
advantage for food processors and
suppliers catering to health-conscious
and environmentally aware consumers.
In partnership with the Sweden institute
RISE and the French technical institute
ARVALIS, SAIREM demonstrate the
efficacy of using our microwave heat
treatment for eradicating weevils in
soft wheat whilst also preserving the
baking properties. The treatment
under examination yielded outstanding
disinfestation results of adult weevils and
their offspring.
The low maintenance and cost-effective
SAIREM systems can process large
amounts of product either in batches
or in a continuous process in tunnels or
the patented tubular system. MW energy
efficiency and volumetric heating keep
power consumption at a lower level than
that of other processing technologies. As
SAIREM’s MW and RF technology are
100% electric solutions, they have no CO 2
emission and consume 50 % less energy
compared to traditional heat treatment
processes.
Innovation and versatility
Not only does this equipment provide
a speedy, efficient process, it has the
added advantage of being very compact
with a small footprint that saves space.
It is extremely user-friendly, offering
easy loading and unloading as well as
a colour touch screen HMI, and a USB
and ethernet connection for remote
control. Apart from daily cleaning, there
is no need for regular maintenance, and it
complies with all hygiene regulations and
standards.
Christina Frohm Kramer, Business
Development Manager at SAIREM,
explains: “SAIREM systems are
extremely versatile and efficient. They
can be used for sanitiing in the role of
decontamination and disinfestation.
We have designed them to provide fast
and effective processes, ensuring highperforming,
cost-saving results.”
SAIREM offers standardized systems as
well as systems specifically adapted to
customer requirements.
fmt
SAIREM's MW and RF technology is 100% electric and therefore produces no CO 2
emissions and
consumes 50% less energy compared to traditional heat treatment processes.
Additionally, successful applications
include the treatment of peppercorns
(with a 3.4 Log reduction) and maize
food Marketing & Technology • December 2023
33