Magnetic resonance gives boost to food safety

Magnetic resonance (MR), once the exclusive domain of medical imaging and chemical analysis, has made its first foray into the manufacturing industry.

One of its proponents, Intermagnetics General (IGC), has developed MR's use in aseptic food processing and claim it could give aseptic processes the boost it needs to replace conventional heat packaging processes.

IGC yesterday presented a research paper to a food science conference in Norwich, UK, which shows how MR can be used to trace the presence of bacteria in food manufacturing.

Dr Ian Pykett, IGC spokesman, told Silicon News: "Most people are agreed that it is better to keep food sterile throughout the processing, rather than blasting it with heat at the end. It cuts down on shipping and distribution costs, and keeps the flavour in the food. But until now, aseptic packaging could only be used in acidic and refrigerated foods, as it doesn't kill off all the bacteria."

Pykett explained that IGC's Magnetic Resonance Inspection detects when bacteria have spoiled food. IDG developed the technology on behalf of its customer, Ross Products of Abbotts Laboratories, which manufactures liquid foods for babies and infirm elderly people as part of its healthcare operations. Ross Products considered, and rejected, technologies such as ultrasound before approaching IGC.

"We have kept the rights to sell MRI to other customers, provided they are not competitors of Abbotts," Pykett said.