The International Ultraviolet Association (IUVA) is forming a global working group to support the research and commercialization of ultraviolet (UV) technology for food growth, production, and transport applications from seed to stomach, as well as UV utilization for tea, milk products, and cold-pressed juice preservation. Industry and government experts Peter Gordon and Tatiana Koutchma will serve as co-leaders of the “UV Solutions for Food and Beverage Safety” working group initiative. The group will endeavor to proactively respond to continued public health concerns about dangerous foodborne disease outbreaks while supporting farm and processing plant worker safety and consumer protection requirements.

“Our group will explore global regulations related to UV for food and beverage safety; validation of shelf life extension and spoilage avoidance methods and approaches; and optimization of germicidal configurations. We will also look at market opportunities for UV LEDs in cannabis production and vertical farming,” explains Peter Gordon.

“We are very excited to draw upon existing global IUVA members from government research labs, academia, equipment suppliers and early adopter users, to make up the core participants. Additionally, we extend an open invitation to all interested parties to join with us in this critical human and environmental health effort," adds Oliver Lawal, President of IUVA.

The IUVA UV Solutions for Food and Beverage Safety Working Group is currently developing educational sessions for the upcoming 2019 IUVA World Congress in Sydney, Australia and the BIG IDEAS for UV+EB Technology Conference in Redondo Beach, California.

UV is a proven technology, offering an economically-sound, effective, and versatile, non-toxic, non-chemical, non-thermal process technology. Acceptance of UV as a germicidal agent has become more critical as antibiotic-resistant bacteria and mounting global pressures on the environment, stress safe food and sufficient clean water supplies.

IUVA’s mission is to advance the science, engineering, marketing, and applications of ultraviolet disinfection technologies to enhance the quality of human life and to protect the environment. Founded in 1999, IUVA is a 501(c)3 educational association of more than 500 members in 35 countries. IUVA is recognized as the leading knowledge base and voice for UV technologies through its various conferences, publications, and programs. Visit http://www.IUVA.org for more information.