Researchers use superheated steam to sanitize dry food manufacturing plants

Researchers at Cornell University are developing a new tool to eliminate deadly pathogens in commercial dry food processing plants — superheated, dry steam.

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Because it is impossible to sanitize equipment in certain dry manufacturing plants with water, lead researcher Abigail Snyder, Ph.D., assistant professor of food science, is testing the viability of superheated steam to clean these environments.

“Cleaning and sanitation in dry food processing and produce packing is a challenge because you can’t use soap or water,” Snyder said.

“We’re seeing how well-superheated steam works to prevent contamination and to keep food safe.” The work is relevant to the milk powder and powdered infant formula industry, something that has come to the forefront of consumers’ minds.

Last year, there was a total of five infants with cronobacter infections resulting in hospitalization and three deaths connected to Abbott Nutrition’s formula.

Abbott initiated a recall of some of its infant formula products — including Similac — after the reports of serious bacterial infections in infants.

Superheated steam would also work in plants manufacturing snack foods, spices, nuts, and nut butters, produce, as well as chocolate and other candies, Snyder said.

The Center for Produce Safety awarded Snyder with a $400,000 grant on Jan.

1, 2022, to fund the superheated steam research.

Synder is partnering with co-investigator V.M.

(Bala) Balasubramania, professor of food science and technology at Ohio State University, to examine produce-processing pack houses to understand how best to apply this technology.

The two have worked together previously, in 2020, researching sanitation strategies in the dry food manufacturing environment.

Motivating the research is the recognition that maintaining safe processing production areas for dry foods is an important and potentially life-saving task, as E.

coli has been found in low-moisture foods.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from 2016 to 2019 approximately 100 multistate E.

coli cases were linked to flour and related products.

“A lot of food products require no refrigeration,” Snyder said.