PRESS RELEASE - August 2008 - BARO Brings Latest Food Hygiene Systems to Uk

BÄ·RO Applied Technology, a subsidiary of global retail lighting giant BÄ·RO Lighting, has launched in the UK and Ireland to introduce its range of UV-C air and surface disinfection systems to the food industry.

Whilst the concept of air and surface sterilisation may not be new, BÄ·RO have
researched and developed the UV Germicide Irradiation (UVGI) technique, culminating in the design of a range of systems that are effective for use throughout the food hygiene chain and in most food sectors such as Meat, Dairy, Bread, Fresh Cut and Transportation. BÄ·RO’s air and surface disinfection systems are used with exceptional results throughout Europe and they can be integrated into any type of premises.

There are specific benefits to using the systems in different hygiene environments. Air disinfection systems are deployed where there is a risk of airborne contamination by micro-organisms which could lead to food spoilage. The existence of micro-organisms on equipment is unavoidable. Surface disinfection
systems are deployed in the food industry to disinfect equipment such as conveyor belts and filling machines, food preparation surfaces and even packaging. The shelf life of products is substantially prolonged and weight loss and spoilage caused through contamination by micro-organisms and other poor conditions can be greatly reduced to offer tangible cost savings to BÄ·RO Applied Technology’s customers.

For meat producers and meat product traders, the colonisation of airborne
microorganisms and the inherent proneness of raw and cooked meats to spoiling can pose significant problems. Retaining freshness throughout the production process not only preserves product quality but can give your business a competitive advantage. The BÄ·RO UV-C disinfection systems can be deployed in cold rooms, deboning rooms, packaging and filling rooms, maturing and store rooms and in the shop, providing benefits such as:

• Weight loss and trimming are greatly reduced when “hanging” fresh meat.
• The products maintain constant weight and colour for longer.
• The shelf life of meat and meat products is considerably increased.
• Hygiene standards are safeguarded.
• The freshness of products can be guaranteed for longer.
• Complaints are significantly reduced and company reputation is safeguarded.

Not only will product quality and hygiene standards be improved, profitability will be
tangibly increased The systems work using UV-C radiation, a natural component of sunlight with recognised anti-bacterial properties. A wavelength of 253.7nm triggers changes in the genetic material of micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi, moulds, yeasts and viruses, resulting in disinfection rates as high as 99.9%.

The systems are manufactured in accordance with consumer protection laws and VDI 6022 standards, which measure hygienic requirements and management for ventilation and air conditioning systems and devices. They also contribute towards the fulfilment of HACCP legislation (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point is a system of food safety management adopted globally, including the United Nation’s World Health Organization and Food and Agricultural Organization).

BÄ·RO systems do not emit any residual radiation or ozone and therefore provide a
completely safe and environmentally friendly solution for hygiene sensitive businesses. BÄ·RO offers a complete service from the initial consultation, on-site air analysis, system installation and an ongoing maintenance program. The systems are cost effective and are easily accessible to the smaller food business owner or retailer.

Dave Whittingham, Managing Director, commented, “In the retail lighting sector, BÄ·RO is at the forefront of supplying retail lighting solutions that are particularly sensitive to fresh food display and storage. It is a natural progression for us to go one step further and introduce hygiene solutions that work to improve fresh product shelf life, appearance and quality whilst offering substantial cost savings to our customers that result in increased profitability.”

For a free consultation, please call David Whittingham at BÄ·RO Air Hygiene
0161 777 9292.