Green technologies for food processing: Principal considerations

Abstract The environmental impact of the food industry is of increasing concern for our society. Reductions in the amounts of harmful substances produced and in energy consumption, and increases in by-product recycling, are all requirements that the industry must now meet. However, “green technology” concepts are currently driving the development of new techniques in this field. Emerging green technologies are capable of superseding conventional thermal treatment, which negatively affects the physical, nutritional, and bioactive properties of food, and are also more environmentally friendly. Novel green techniques include ionizing and ultraviolet radiation, ohmic heating, high-power ultraso…