Food safety is of utmost importance for any individual dealing with food whether a farmer, chef, or shop owner. We need to ensure that food is devoid of harmful germs harmful chemicals or anything that can cause sickness to an individual. Among the best ways of doing this task is by the use of a particular gas referred to as SO2.
SO2 gas or sulphur dioxide is widely used as a preservative in the food industry. This makes it assist in food preservation and freshness for a longer time. It functions by preventing food from spoiling and the reproduction of harmful bacteria. SO2 gas is invisible meaning you can't see it and it happens naturally when food ferments — as in wine or cheese making. Sometimes, it is added intentionally in the liquid foods for preservation. It preserves the safety and quality when the SO2 gas has been absorbed into food products. Use of SO2 Gas in Food Preservation
Firstly, it prevents the multiplication of germs and bacteria which are capable of producing foodbourne diseases. If people eat contaminated food these germs can cause serious health problems. SO2 gas prevents these harmful microorganisms from growing and therefore protects the health of the consumers.
Second SO2 gas maintains the color texture and flavor of foodstuffs. Because when not covered by SO2 gas, food items lose their bright color and attractive taste. For example, without Refrigerant Gas, dried fruits may become colorless and unattractive to the consumer. Food manufacturers utilize this gas in producing foods that not only appear appetizing and with excellent flavors but also are safe for human consumption.
Used to using SO2 gas for sauerkraut, people believe that bacteria do it slowly.
Good food processing hygiene—from production through processing to packaging—is very important if we are to keep food safe. It includes good food safety practices such as injecting SO2 gas to help in preserving food items. Not only is it important to put the gas in food manufacturers must avoid using the gas in the wrong way.
In order to ensure safety for the process and/or packaging of food, the food processor must also do so. It ensures that the food is not only safe for consumption but also a good-quality product. Mixture Gases is merely one tool in the box and by combining it with every other safety measure that is possible to date manufacturers can produce safer food products with far more confidence for their consumers.
How to Use SO2 Gas Within Food Processing and Packaging?
There are hardly any thumb rules for the use of SO2 gas in the food processing and packaging market which the manufacturer has to abide by to ensure a free flow. One such rule is to ensure that you are using the right amount of Hydrocarbons per type of food. The dosage of gas effective for one food product may not be suitable for another. Therefore, it is important to know the right dose.