In food processing facilities, commercial air filtration is commonly used to purify the air and prevent cross-contamination. However, these filters are ineffective in killing pathogens and preventing the spread of illness. The main reason is that the air filtration system does not have output, like a sanitizer, that kills mildew, mold, Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, Bacillus, Clostridium, or Yeasts. It brings the air inside through the commercial air filtration, and the filter collects and traps the bacteria and mold. The bacteria are still active on the filter and can multiply on the filter. So it is essential to change the filters often if you have a commercial air filtration in a food processing facility. There is a chance that the dirty air filter with collected bacteria and mold can be spread back to the air depending on how hard you shake the filter or be left on a surface and cause a cross-contamination issue.  

AirROS air and surface purification system is a more effective solution because it has output that sanitizes surfaces and kills pathogens at the source. This solution can safely sanitize an entire food processing facility 24/7 to reduce cross-contamination and prevent mold and bacteria, including Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, Bacillus, Clostridium, and Yeasts.

How Does AirROS Commercial Air & Surface Purification work?

AirROS is an industrial air and surface purification system that can prevent pathogens, mold, viruses, yeast, and bacteria, reduce cross-contamination, and eliminate odor. AirROS purifiers utilize and create ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species). First, it kills pathogens and odor as it passes through the air purifier. In addition, it sanitizes the air that comes out of the cleaner, enters the environment, and continues to sanitize all surfaces it contacts. Here is the two-stage process:

Phase 1- Primary Air Cleaning

Placed within your room’s airflow, air from the environment containing microorganisms enters the purifier’s internal chamber. The reaction chamber creates non-thermal plasma and generates ROS. ROS are comprised of 5 short-lived, highly Reactive Oxygen Species:

• Atomic oxygen O(3P)
• Singlet oxygen ₁O₂
• Hydroxyl radical .OH
• Superoxide O_2-
• Peroxynitrite ONOO-

These break down carbon-to-carbon bonds that sanitize the air and destroy all bacteria, molds, viruses, and other pathogens as they pass through the reaction chamber.

Phase 2- Secondary Surface & Air Cleaning

Provides Surface sanitation and continued Air sanitation. The purified air now diffused into the environment contains longer-lived Reactive Oxygen Species:

• Gas-phased H₂O₂ (GpHP) or dry hydrogen peroxide
• Low concentration levels of O₃ ozone

These combine and create Hydrogen Trioxide (H₂O₃) an Active Antimicrobial formed through the peroxone process. This H₂O₃ is very effective at sanitizing the surfaces and air 24/7.

Following these tips can help keep your food processing facility clean and bacteria-free. This will extend the shelf life of your perishables and protect your employees from getting sick. In addition, it will help you create a plan to mitigate food safety issues and give you monitoring and reporting for FSMA to prove your success. 

Pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, Bacillus, Clostridium, and Yeasts can cause serious illnesses. Cross-contamination between food products can occur when these pathogens are present in the air and surfaces. Commercial air filters are often used in food processing facilities to combat this. However, these filters are ineffective in killing pathogens or dramatically reducing cross-contamination. 

The AirROS air and surface purification system is a more effective solution because it uses ROS technology to sanitize surfaces and kill pathogens at the source. This reduces the risk of cross-contamination and helps keep food processing facilities and employees safe. 

If you have questions about keeping your food processing facility clean with AirROS, or if you need professional sanitization with AirROS, don’t hesitate to contact us today! We would be happy to help you maintain a clean and safe environment for your food processing facility.