Air pollution has surely become a menace nowadays, be it in any part of the world. It is a serious concern, and not only does it affect human health, but is also detrimental to the operations of several industries, like the food processing and manufacturing industry.

If you are running a food business, the first thing you need to ensure is that the food production and processing takes place in an ultraclean environment. In this blog, we will discuss the impact of air pollutants on food processing and manufacturing. We will explain how different aspects of the food business, like the quality, safety, and overall production efficiency of food, are affected through air contamination.

Consequences of air pollution on food processing and manufacturing

Impact on Food Safety

The contamination of food products from air pollutants is a major hazard in food processing. Crops can get exposed to air contaminants during their growth. These contaminants can settle on the crops, causing the accumulation of toxic materials in vegetables and fruits. It has been observed that plants may absorb heavy metals present in adulterated air, which results in health hazards when they are consumed by humans.

This kind of contamination is also risky in a food processing facility, where airborne impurities can settle on food products or the equipment and surfaces. Consuming such adulterated food can cause foodborne illnesses.

Effects on Food Quality

The taste, appearance, and smell of the food is what makes it appealing to us. These sensory aspects of the food can be altered if impure air is present during its processing and manufacturing. It has been observed that certain toxins and particulate matter modify the flavor of processed food items to such an extent that they become less desirable for eating. Also, the aroma of food items is impacted by volatile organic compounds, decreasing their appeal.

Even if we ignore the taste and other sensory attributes, the quality of the food cannot be overlooked. Crops that are cultivated in impure environments tend to have lesser nutritional value than other crops. This lack of quality in raw materials causes the production of inferior food products. 

Production Efficiency and Costs

Apart from food items, the operations of food processing and manufacturing can also suffer from the consequences of air pollution. Whether it is the malfunctioning of equipment at the facility due to exposure to polluted air or damage to the machines, toxic air can be really harmful. This can cause large maintenance costs and increased downtime.

Consumer Awareness and Expectations

The public is becoming more aware of the effects of atmospheric pollution on food, increasing their concern regarding the food they consume. Therefore, several consumers nowadays opt to go green and purchase products that are sustainable and manufactured using eco-friendly methods. This change pressures food companies to use sustainable methods.

How air filters alleviate the effects of air pollution on food processing and manufacturing

To combat the impact of air pollutants on food processing and manufacturing, the manufacturers in a food processing facility should make use of high-quality air filtration systems and employ rigorous cleaning protocols to ward off the risks of food contamination. Here are some highly efficient air filters that can be used to eradicate the consequences of air pollution on food processing and manufacturing:

• iTech HEPA air filters: HEPA air filters are used to maintain the environment in clean rooms so that food grade products can be packaged and processed in suitable conditions. For instance, the process of bottling for several beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) is carried out in atmospheric conditions maintained by HEPA filters.

• iTech mini-pleat HEPA filters: These filters ensure that hygiene and safety standards are maintained in the food processing industry through the elimination of airborne contaminants. Particularly, they can be utilized in cleanrooms where processes like dairy processing and fermentation occur or where ready-to-eat food is prepared. In these places, mini-pleat HEPA filters help maintain a hygienic atmosphere by eliminating dust, microorganisms, and other airborne pollutants, which prevents the food products from being contaminated and ensures their safety. These filters can also be used in areas where the packaging of food products takes place. The filters purify the polluted air in these areas, preventing the exposure of food to contaminants during the packaging process, thus ensuring product quality and extending the shelf life of the products.

• iTech metal air filters: The metal air filters are used in air intake systems of the processing equipment in the food and beverage industry. The filters safeguard machinery from various pollutants that can affect their performance.

• iTech low-pressure-drop HEPA filters: The HVAC systems in food processing plants use low-pressure-drop HEPA filters, which purify polluted air.

Conclusion

It is critical for food industries to ensure the utmost safety and maintenance of hygiene standards in food products, and the answer to this is the use of cutting-edge air filtration and purification techniques such as iTech air solutions. By doing so, they can supply safe, nutritious, and tasty food products to consumers. After all, at the end of the day, a happy consumer matters most.