Posted on March 20, 2025 by Keeen

Types of Chemicals Used in Fruit and Vegetable Processing Factories

1. Chlorine and Chlorine-Based Compounds

Chlorine-based compounds are commonly used to disinfect bacteria, yeast, and viruses. Examples include Sodium Hypochlorite and Chlorine Dioxide.

• Key Considerations:
  ✅ Maintain chlorine concentration between 50-200 ppm according to FDA or Codex standards.
  ✅ The pH of the washing water should be between 6.0-7.5 to optimize chlorine effectiveness.
  ✅ Implement thorough rinsing with clean water after chlorine use to reduce residuals.

2. Ozone (O₃)

Ozone is effective in eliminating microorganisms and chemical residues without leaving harmful residues.

• Key Considerations:
  ✅ Control ozone concentration at 0.5-2.0 ppm.
  ✅ Use in a closed system or areas with good ventilation, as high ozone levels may harm the respiratory system.

3. Peracetic Acid (PAA)

Peracetic acid is used to remove bacteria, mold, and microorganisms.

• Key Considerations:
  ✅ Maintain PAA concentration below 80 ppm according to USDA standards.
  ✅ Monitor the degradation rate to avoid residuals in wastewater.

4. Natural Cleaners

Natural acids like Citric Acid and Biological Enzymes are used to reduce mineral buildup and enhance cleaning efficiency.

• Key Considerations:
  ✅ Combine with clean water soaking or filtration systems to boost performance.
  ✅ Test microbial removal efficiency against other disinfectants.

 

Washing Methods Based on Fruit and Vegetable Types

Different types of fruits and vegetables require specific washing methods to minimize chemical residues and microbial contamination:

1. Soaking Method: Suitable for hard-skinned fruits and vegetables like mangoes and guavas.
2. High-Pressure Spray Washing: Ideal for leafy greens like lettuce, effectively removing dirt and contaminants.
3. Ultrasonic Cleaning: Uses sound waves to eliminate tightly adhered microorganisms.
4. Ozonated Water System: Best for fragile produce like strawberries, ensuring gentle yet effective cleaning.

Precautions in Using Chemicals for Washing Fruits and Vegetables

To ensure safety for raw materials, workers, and related personnel, strict adherence to high safety standards is necessary:

1. Controlling Residual Chemicals

🔍 Residue Testing: Use chemical test kits or analytical instruments like HPLC to ensure residues are within safety limits.
🔍 Contact Time Control: Maintain an appropriate soaking time to prevent produce degradation.

2. Ensuring Water Quality for Washing

✅ Utilize water filtration systems like Reverse Osmosis (RO) or UV Sterilization to minimize microbial contamination.
✅ Test chlorine residuals in washing water, ensuring levels do not exceed 0.5 ppm.

3. Protecting Workers

⚠️ Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, respirators, and safety goggles.
⚠️ Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to guide safe chemical handling practices.

4. Minimizing Environmental Impact

♻️ Install wastewater treatment systems to filter chemical residues before releasing water into natural sources.
♻️ Opt for biological or natural cleaning agents to reduce the environmental impact of hazardous chemicals.

Ensuring Compliance and Safety in the Washing Process

The washing process must not only ensure the effectiveness of chemicals and products used but also prevent excessive chemical residues. Additionally, maintaining a safe process for workers and the environment is crucial.

Products used for washing fruits and vegetables, which serve as raw materials in production, must contain certified ingredients approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Moreover, these products should be safe and of high quality.

Introducing KEEEN’s K501 and KF501 Products

KEEEN’s K501 and KF501 products are designed to effectively eliminate bacteria, fungi, and pesticide residues that may be present in raw materials. The Superoxide Ion Technology, a fusion of Hydrogen Peroxide and Acetic Acid, provides high efficiency in breaking down particles, not only disinfecting but also enhancing biotechnological innovation.

The bio-tech formulation in KEEEN’s products offers a powerful solution to eliminate pesticide residues while leaving no negative impact on the environment, elevating food safety standards in line with GHP (Good Hygiene Practices).

This ensures that the production process aligns with food safety regulations, delivering safe and high-quality products to consumers.