Mise au point de systèmes d'illumination DEL pour le contrôle de la flore d'altération sur des surfaces entrant en contact avec de la viande

As a leaders of the industry, F. Ménard produce and process 15% of Quebec’s pork and export up to 70% of its own production. In order to keep its markets share, F. Ménard needs to increase the shelf life of its meat cuts destined for exportation, particularly the ones for Japan (loins, fillets, katas, flanks, etc.). In order to attain this objective, in addition to the current quality system, the enterprise want to eliminate a significant source of cross contamination, i.e. the conveyors.

Adsol specialize in the conception and installation of light emitting diode (LED) systems for antimicrobial applications (e.g. photosanitation). LED produces monochromatic et polychromatic radiation when traversed by an electric current.

This project aims at developing a LED light system for the sanitation of surface coming in contact with pork meat, i.e. conveyors, in order to extend the shelf life of meat cuts up to 55 days. The desired antimicrobial effect (control of alteration flora and of pathogens) is associated to photosensitizing molecules (from the porphyrin family), endogenous to bacteria, which generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) when absorbing light. These ROS will then damage nearby cell structures, leading to the death of the microorganism.

The experimental approach is as follows: 1) elaborate literature review and characterisation of the work environment, based on historic data; 2) Validation of sanitation efficiency and lab scale optimisation of operational parameters; 3) pilot validation of the efficacy of the treatment using a moving conveyor; 4) industrial scale validation via the installation of a LED prototype on conveyors, tests during production, followed by shelf life validation; 5) support of the implantation by Adsol and/or an engineering consulting firm hired by F. Ménard (if required).

This will allow the development of a LED system able to eliminate a significant source of contamination for F. Ménard (conveyors). This system will allow F. Ménard to extend significantly the shelf life of all its meat cuts (55 days), guaranteeing a competitive advantage for the export market. The implementation of the LED technology will be a disruptive innovation unique in the world.

Adsol plans to develop similar applications for other sectors of the agri-food industry, which would bring economic spin-offs and notoriety to this small and growing Quebec company. The Quebec and Canadian industry will eventually be able to take advantage of it to position themselves on the local, national and international markets.