Unitherm Food Systems donation to benefit Oklahoma food safety standards

The Food & Agricultural Products Center (FAPC) at Oklahoma State University (OSU) received two electrolyzed water generators from Unitherm Food Systems of Bristow, Okla. valued at $230,000 last month.    

“These generators add electricity to salty water, resulting in a non-toxic solution that eliminates bacteria, yeast, molds and viruses on food, food processing equipment or any other hard surface,” said Jake Nelson, FAPC value-added meats processing specialist.

 The generators were installed in-line with the FAPC’s steam pasteurization unit and will be used for researching electrolyzed water’s effects on fresh beef, pork and lamb.  Scientists in OSU’s department of animal science are also investigating ways in which electrolyzed water solutions can be used in poultry and swine production facilities to improve animal health and reduce the risks of harmful bacteria getting into the food supply.

FAPC Director Roy Escoubas praised Unitherm Food Systems for the generous gift and is confident the equipment will allow FAPC and its staff to continue to discover more ways to utilize the electrolytic process.

“Results show this state-of-the-art process would give food processors in Oklahoma a way to continue to improve their methods to make food safe for Oklahoma consumers,” Escoubas said.

Oklahoma-based SanAquel LLC, a partner company with Unitherm Food Systems, patented the electro-chemical activation process.

“Although it’s not a new process, few companies are demonstrating SanAquel LLC and Unitherm’s vision to implement electrolyzed water throughout a processing environment using automated generators,” stated Peter Muriana, FAPC food microbiologist.

The Oklahoma State University Foundation serves as the private fundraising organization for OSU, as designated by the OSU Regents.  Its mission is to unite donor and university passions and priorities to achieve excellence.

Top of page ^