Microwave processing of organic food & cosmetics
As part of the development of organic farming and cosmetics, many manufacturers are faced with bans on the preservative ingredients, preparation, and storage processes of their products. In this context, microwaves and radio frequencies provide totally safe and technically efficient responses.
Decades of hindsight
The use of microwaves in food began in the 1960s, with rapid expansion in the 1980s. We therefore have more than 50 years of experience with these processes. In fact, dozens of studies, mainly carried out since 1986, highlight the safety of microwaves in the processing of agrifood products.
The World Health Organization has a full page about microwave use for food. Here is an abstract : “food cooked in a microwave oven is as safe, and has the same nutrient value, as food cooked in a conventional oven.”
A preserved food quality
When we talk about organic food and cosmetics, we want to consume healthier products, richer in vitamins and nutrients.
Thanks to it’s high thermal efficiency and shorter processing time, microwave treatment usually better preserve the organoleptic properties of food and cosmetics ingredients.
In addition, microwave heat treatment can replace pesticides and preservatives banned in organic farming, thus increasing the shelf life of products without using any chemicals.
The same waves as radio and television
Microwaves and radio frequencies work by changing the orientation of dielectric molecules, particularly water molecules, making them vibrate and get into friction. This energy turns into heat.
Microwaves are part of the electromagnetic wave spectrum but are low-frequency and non-ionizing radiation, in the same frequency range than radio and television that have been used for more than 100 years.
A recognition by most of the certification bodies
Most international organic certification bodies clearly cite microwaves as an authorized thermal process in the processing of organic food. Among them we can cite the European Union, Bureau Veritas in France, OFDC in China, USDA in the United States.
It is simply because microwaves heat up more quickly and evenly. No more, no less.
An environment friendly technology
Current developments in regulations and public opinion tend to favor processes with low CO2 emissions. Microwaves are one of the most performing solution by offering:
- A higher energy efficiency than most other technologies, transferring 100% of the microwave energy produced to the product to be treated.
- By using 100% electric energy, which can be completely carbon-free depending on how it is produced.
