Produce Sanitation System Evaluation
Abstract
This report documents an evaluation, performed by the Department of Defense (DoD) Combat Feeding Directorate (CFD), of an automated produce cleansing and sanitizing sink in an effort to facilitate a more effective and efficient means for cleansing and sanitizing fresh fruits and vegetables (FF&V) aboard Navy vessels, The sink saves labor associated with the washing of produce in food service operations by automatically performing this effort, thus allowing food service personnel to perform other tasks while the produce is being washed and sanitized. The system was also expected to improve food safety (i.e., reduce microbes) and reduce premature spoilage while minimizing environmental impact and unpleasant aftertaste through it computer-based cleansing process and use of a citrus-based "green" cleansing product. Microbiologists from CFD performed several tests of bacteria counts and pathogen log rate reductions of various FF&V products before and after they passed through the sanitizing sink process. The tests results show that the sink removes microbes from FF&V more effectively than the current method of hand washing utilized aboard Navy vessels. The integration of the automated produce sink within the Navy will support the Navy's optimized crewing initiative and ensure food safety for the sailors aboard naval vessels. CFD has been recommended by the unit to Navy stakeholders for further evaluation at sea.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA546823
Entities
People
- John Gildea
- Josh Magnone
- Louis Jamieson
Organizations
- United States Army Soldier Systems Center