Pasteurizing the 6 billion gallons of milk produced in the U.S. each year consumes a large amount of energy and generates greenhouse gas emissions.1 The ability of processing plants to improve energy efficiency is hindered by the energy requirements of heat-based pasteurization.
Opportunity: nonheat processing as an adjunct to pasteurization
Ultraviolet (UV) illumination is one of the most promising new nonheat processes that could provide processors with a safe, energy-efficient and cost-effective process to gain an added measure of quality and so extend shelf life. A patented technology exists today that uses UV illumination to effectively treat liquids like milk, while still maintaining its nutritional value and taste. Initial research results also show that UV illumination in conjunction with pasteurization can help increase the shelf life of milk by at least 30 percent.
Solution: seek FDA approval of nonheat UV processing for fluid milk
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has guided the industry to pursue the use of UV illumination as an adjunct to heat pasteurization. The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy has put together a project team to demonstrate the commercial viability of UV illumination. To gain approval to run commercial pilots, the FDA has guided the project team to present a proposal to the National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments (NCIMS) process in 2011, to include UV illumination in the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO).
Collaborators: academics + producers + processors + industry + government
The Next Generation Processing – UV team is composed of more than 35 leading international organizations, including the University of California-Davis, California Polytechnic State University, SurePure, Dairy Innovation Australia Limited, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Dean Foods, LALA, Walmart, Safeway and Target.
Project goals and milestones
The dairy processing segment of the U.S. dairy supply chain contributes 5.7 percent to the fluid milk carbon footprint. Next Generation Processing – UV will help achieve the Dairy 2020 goal to reduce this by 25 percent.
The goal is to help milk processors use less heat-based pasteurization for extending shelf life, which reduces both costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
Phase 1: Microbial Testing
Tests using the UV illumination have been performed on fluid milk. The results demonstrate the technology’s ability to reduce microorganisms to a level unlikely to present a public health risk under normal conditions. Complete
Phase 2: Pursue Amendment of the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO)
A proposal to use UV illumination as an adjunct to pasteurization will be presented at NCIMS (National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments) in early 2011. If approved, the PMO will be amended to allow for test pilots in commercial facilities. 2011
Phase 3: Develop Test Pilot of UV Pasteurization
If approved, UV illumination as an adjunct to traditional processing will be included in the PMO, and tests will evaluate quality, taste and environmental impact under commercial conditions. 2011 and beyond
1International Dairy Foods Association. Dairy Facts, 2009.