Abstract: Method and apparatus of producing sterile liquid food products are provided. The method comprising the steps of: aseptically sterilizing heat sensitive food materials using a sterile filter; filling an aseptic container having a plastic member with the sterilized heat sensitive materials; heat sterilizing non-heat sensitive food materials using a sterilization process in a production line; connecting the filled aseptic container to the product line using a heat sealer that creates a sterile connection between the plastic member of the aseptic container and a fluid flow path into the production line; feeding the sterilized heat sensitive food materials through a dosing valve and mixing the sterilized heat sensitive food material with the non-heat sensitive food materials that have been sterilized; and filling a second container with the mixture.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for processing produce to reduce microorganisms thereon by treating the produce in a treatment chamber. The method comprises exposing the produce to an atmosphere comprising gaseous chlorine dioxide and a carrier gas in a treatment chamber and can comprise controlling the concentration of chlorine dioxide in the treatment chamber, moving the produce in the treatment chamber during exposure to the gaseous chlorine dioxide, spraying water to remove the gaseous chlorine dioxide, and purging the treatment chamber to remove any residual chlorine dioxide.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and method for processing produce to reduce microorganisms thereon by treating the produce in a treatment chamber. The treatment chamber comprises a produce receiver disposed in the treatment chamber, a means for providing a gas stream comprising chlorine dioxide and a carrier gas into the treatment chamber, a chlorine dioxide sensor in communication with the treatment chamber, and a means for controlling the concentration of chlorine dioxide in the treatment chamber. The method comprises exposing the produce to an atmosphere comprising gaseous chlorine dioxide and a carrier gas in a treatment chamber and can comprise controlling the concentration of chlorine dioxide in the treatment chamber, moving the produce in the treatment chamber during exposure to the gaseous chlorine dioxide, spraying water to remove the gaseous chlorine dioxide, and purging the treatment chamber to remove any residual chlorine dioxide.

Abstract: The invention comprises a system and method for sterilizing an aseptic processing line comprising the steps of generating chlorine dioxide gas, introducing the chlorine dioxide gas inside the aseptic processing line as a sterilization step, and removing the chlorine dioxide gas from the aseptic processing line. The aseptic processing line comprises at least one processing apparatus such as a filter, heater, cooler, filler, surge tank, and/or packager connected to a piping network.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and method for processing produce to reduce microorganisms thereon by treating the produce in a treatment chamber. The treatment chamber comprises a produce receiver disposed in the treatment chamber, a means for providing a gas stream comprising chlorine dioxide and a carrier gas into the treatment chamber, a chlorine dioxide sensor in communication with the treatment chamber, and a means for controlling the concentration of chlorine dioxide in the treatment chamber. The method comprises exposing the produce to an atmosphere comprising gaseous chlorine dioxide and a carrier gas in a treatment chamber and can comprise controlling the concentration of chlorine dioxide in the treatment chamber, moving the produce in the treatment chamber during exposure to the gaseous chlorine dioxide, spraying water to remove the gaseous chlorine dioxide, and purging the treatment chamber to remove any residual chlorine dioxide.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and method for processing produce to reduce microorganisms thereon by treating the produce in a treatment chamber. The treatment chamber comprises a produce receiver disposed in the treatment chamber, a means for providing a gas stream comprising chlorine dioxide and a carrier gas into the treatment chamber, a chlorine dioxide sensor in communication with the treatment chamber, and a means for controlling the concentration of chlorine dioxide in the treatment chamber. The method comprises exposing the produce to an atmosphere comprising gaseous chlorine dioxide and a carrier gas in a treatment chamber and can comprise controlling the concentration of chlorine dioxide in the treatment chamber, moving the produce in the treatment chamber during exposure to the gaseous chlorine dioxide, spraying water to remove the gaseous chlorine dioxide, and purging the treatment chamber to remove any residual chlorine dioxide.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sterilizing or sanitizing a container for food wherein chlorine dioxide gas is produced outside or inside the container, is circulated inside and through the container, is removed from the container, and is reclaimed by dissolving it in a solvent.