CONTINUOUS MICROWAVE PROCESSING-A SUPERIOR TECHNOLOGY

Continuous microwave heating process, evolved recently, recommends itself for foods that cannot be exposed to high temperatures for long periods. Modern technologies, evolved mostly by the dairy industry for pasteurization and sterilization of milk like HTST, have helped to market stabilized fluid milk with extended shelf life using the aseptic packaging systems. Invariably in all these thermal processes, the food has to be in contact with the heating surface for transfer of heat from the source to the food material under processing that can cause some practical problems. Microwave heating, basically a batch process has so far remained untapped with the industry looking for a continuous process with assured performance.

Development of the continuous process recently, which is patented, has opened up immense possibilities for thermal treatment of many pumpable food products. "The IMS Cylindrical Heating System features patented technology that delivers uniform heating on a continuous flow basis, minimizing the problem of hot spots in traditional thermal processing technologies," said a company statement. "Because the food product is heated in seconds and is not in contact with a hot heating surface, the unique thermal process allows for ultra-rapid pasteurization or sterilization with minimal product degradation."

While pH, sugar and salt in the product determine the process parameters, optimum temperature-time relationship for effective sterilization will also depend on the flow characteristics of the product to be processed. Foods with high acidity or salt or sugar with uniform consistency are easier to be handled, It is the low acid foods which pose challenges as the contaminating microorganisms require much more rigorous heating to achieve assured "kill" rate. The new microwave processing system is claimed to be efficient for low acid foods also which is commendable. Use of steam for thermal processing of liquids may become history if the microwave system becomes the accepted norm..

V.H.POTTY
http://vhpotty.blogspot.com/
http://foodtechupdates.blogspot.com

SWINE FLU-IMPACT ON FOOD CATERING

There was serious apprehension world over regarding the potential for the swine flu to cause immeasurable damage to the food sector, especially the catering segment. Though the H1N1 virus is not a threat in causing food infection as it is an air-borne contaminant working through the soft tissues in the nose and eyes, those infected can pass it to others through coughing or sneezing or the sputum and such infections can be more serious in closed or congested, air conditioned eating places. Hence the concern.

"The H1N1 virus has changed the normal concern over food safety when you eat out. Many people are now practicing caution. The Health Department is on the look-out as it makes regular restaurant inspections. Most facilities are small, very close contact, handling people's food and dishes. If they happen to blow their nose, touch their face then touch a dish or glass, something could be transferred."

Looking at the limited damage experienced so far, no major upheaval is expected, at least till the onset of winter when usual influenza epidemic runs through its course. In India the impact of H1N1 virus was not as feared though in some of the major metro areas it did cause limited damage in terms of human casualty. One of the off shoots of this pandemic has been the creation of greater awareness about personal hygiene, especially importance of hand washing, in avoiding viral infections.

V.H.POTTY
http://vhpotty.blogspot.com/
http://foodtechupdates.blogspot.com

THE HEALTH CARE DEBATE-FOOD INDUSTRY IN THE DOCK

Massive spending on health care systems in Europe and the US, is assuming alarming proportions and paucity of resources is excluding many low income populations from universal health care. Many are fortunate that health insurance cover give them some security against diseases which require high expenditure to treat. It is a tragedy that many of these diseases are "courted" by the consumers because of their wrong eating habits and unacceptable daily diets. By now it is well established that most of the chronic diseases are linked to diet and a vast majority of the consumers are lured to cheap but unhealthy foods by the food industry which offers high calorie, high fat and high sodium processed food products at prices much lower than that commanded by fresh and whole some foods.

Look at the American situation as a recent report has highlighted. "We're spending $147 billion to treat obesity, $116 billion to treat diabetes, and hundreds of billions more to treat cardiovascular disease and the many types of cancer that have been linked to the so-called Western diet. One recent study estimated that 30 percent of the increase in health care spending over the past 20 years could be attributed to the soaring rate of obesity, a condition that now accounts for nearly a tenth of all spending on health care".

With three fourths of health care spending going for treating preventable chronic diseases brought about by consumption of wrong foods, there is a case for the health insurance companies to become pro-active in discouraging such a life style and reign in the food industry. Linking insurance payouts to food consumption habits either through exclusions or higher premium, consumers can be persuaded to cultivate new eating styles that will be predominated by more and more fresh foods like fruits, vegetables, whole cereals, milk etc. With pharmaceutical industry more interested in treating diseases than preventing them and food industry more inclined to develop and market cheap but unhealthy foods, health insurers will only be able to arrest the current trend of growing number of people affected by obesity, diabetes, CVD, blood pressure, cancer and other life threatening disorders.

V.H.POTTY
http://vhpotty.blogspot.com/
http://foodtechupdates.blogspot.com

WATER OR ENERGY-THE HOBSON'S CHOICE!

Dire prediction of an impending energy crunch due to alarming depletion of fossil fuels is spurring scientists to develop alternate energy technologies which will have no green house gas emission and are environment friendly. Though this is a Utopian dream, limited success achieved so far does indicate that this planet will survive post-fossil fuel era through innovations and mind boggling technological developments in the coming years. New developments always come with a price and some sacrifice is necessary to make new systems work. Substitution and replacements are invariably less satisfactory than the original and calls for adjustment and accommodation.

Enormous resources are being committed globally on renewable energy systems based on solar, wind and geothermal sources and each of them has its own limitations with which we have to live. "Here is an inconvenient truth about renewable energy: It can sometimes demand a huge amount of water. Many of the proposed solutions to the nation's energy problems, from certain types of solar farms to biofuel refineries to cleaner coal plants, could consume billions of gallons of water every year".

Water is also equally precious and energy generation probably cannot be at the expense of water, if it is irretrievably lost. Scientific community can be some time mono-focal when pursuing a target and such secondary problems can be lost sight of during the development stage. A holistic approach, there fore is imperative if practical solutions are to be found in the energy sector.

V.H.POTTY
http://vhpotty.blogspot.com/
http://foodtechupdates.blogspot.com

GENDER "PICKING"- THE NEW DAIRYING TECHNOLOGY

Dairy farms have been facing the dilemma regarding disposal of male calves which constitute almost half of new bornes because of the law of nature. Besides being an economic burden, the profitably in general is adversely affected because of constraints in raising the productivity from the farms. Genetic knowledge about cows and their biological system enabled dairy industry 3 years ago to increase the population of female calves, changing the economic scenario dramatically. How ever the new generation of cows coming of age now is adding to the woes of the dairy owners due to tumbling prices milk commands now during the recession period.

Manipulation at the chromosomal level assures 100% female calves and has opened up business opportunities for genetic companies. "The sorting technology relies on slight size differences between the Y chromosome, which produces male offspring, and the X chromosome, which produces female offspring and has a slightly larger amount of genetic material, or DNA. After it is collected from a bull at a stud farm, semen is mixed with a dye that sticks to DNA. A machine detects the extra dye sticking to X chromosomes and sorts the sperm. The sorted semen is frozen and sold to farmers who use it to inseminate their livestock".

Since a chemical process is involved in this sorting technology, what long term consequences it may cause is some thing to be watched, though there are all round assurances that the process is safe. The danger lurking in the corner is whether this technology will also be applied eventually in humans also and what happens if, instead of eliminating males it is used to encourage male gender in some societies where female child is a bane. There must be some control on the deployment of this technology if the fine balance nature has conferred on humanity is not disturbed by illogical and insensible action by man himself.

V.H.POTTY
http://vhpotty.blogspot.com/
http://foodtechupdates.blogspot.com

GLOBAL HUNGER-A NEW INITIATIVE IN THE OFFING?

No doubt the massive food aid to poor countries by some of the well to do nations has been able to reduce the pain of hunger to some extent, there cannot be a giver-receiver relationship of permanent nature. The designs of some of the multinational seed giants are too obvious in that they want poor African countries to be their permanent clients for buying seed, especially GM varieties year after year ensuring improved bottom line for their business. Against such a dismal picture, it is like fresh whiff of air when the new US administration is unfolding its new policy of helping poor countries to stand on their own legs through infrastructure and capacity building instead of doling out alms.

Read about what the new policy is all about. "Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton unveiled a food security initiative launched by the Obama administration to combat hunger worldwide. Clinton spoke about a new approach from the Obama administration in dealing with hunger issues, a food security initiative that attempts to help people around the world grow, buy and sell the food they need instead of focusing primarily on emergency food aid in times of crisis," .

What is needed is to usher in a green revolution in the African continent, which were net exporters of food grains not too long ago, to reverse the present situation where food imports have become common. Though the greater inputs of resources like fertilizers, pesticides and other ingredients for technological upgrading will be a feature of increased land productivity, till adequate base is created for self-reliance, this is inevitable. The million dollar question is whether what man proposes (read US government), God will dispose( read multinationals). One has to see to believes it, as and when it happens!

V.H.POTTY
http://vhpotty.blogspot.com/
http://foodtechupdates.blogspot.com

MOVE OVER 'JUNKIES', 'FRESHIES' ARE COMING!

A responsible food company must combine business with compassion and consideration for the welfare of the society. If the blame for to day's obesity and CVD epidemic is to apportioned, the major culprit will be the food processing industry which in its relentless pursuit of better financial performance put the consumer fate to the back burner. Of course mindless indulgence with junk foods in response to the high voltage commercial campaign and high purchasing power seem to have distorted the thinking on the part of the consumer, making him almost like a zombie!. Basics of nutrition and health sciences are well known to the industry players and still many products launched,to day cater to the sensory satisfaction rather than well being of the consumers.

It is refreshing that under the bleak scenario that exists to day, at least one large industry player is making an attempt to wean away the consumer from the high calorie, high fat, high salt products by offering convenience fruit based natural products. "The product line includes whole bananas, packaged using a Del Monte's technology that slows down the ripening process and maintains the yellow fruit for five days. Other products include fresh-cut pineapple chunks, apple slices, grapes, baby carrots, celery sticks and grape tomatoes. Some of the cut fruits and vegetables are available with light dips".

Last year similar attempts were made in Singapore where vending machines were designed for easy access to freshly cut fruits and installed at vantage points in the city. The reported success of this enterprise could have inspired the American giant to try out this line and hope for a 'win-win' situation. Probably vending system for salad preparations may also be welcomed by the consumers knowing the value of vegetables in their well being. Indians may have to wait for an enterprising entrepreneur to emerge for access to such healthy foods. It is a pity that NDDB's F & V Project has not thought about it so far though it could have provided the necessary spark for development of this line by the private sector companies.

V.H.POTTY

http://vhpotty.blogspot.com/
http://foodtechupdates.blogspot.com