Agri-food and ozone treatment

Ozone applications for air and water are becoming increasingly valuable in the agri-food industry due to their numerous economic and ecological benefits.

Photographie illustrant un système professionnel d'ozonation pour le traitement de l'eau dans le secteur agroalimentaire

Ozone water treatment advantages in the agri-food industry

Using ozonated water in food processing has become a total game-changer. Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent that destroys bacteria, viruses, and fungi incredibly fast before breaking down into completely harmless oxygen.  Not only sustainable but also organic.

Compared to other methods of water disinfection, like chlorine treatment, ozone water treatment has a number of advantages. Ozone is a very potent oxidant that quickly neutralizes pathogens, bacteria and viruses. There is no need to store or transport hazardous chemicals because ozone is created on-site and as needed. Additionally, many harmful bacteria, including Norovirus, E. coli, and Salmonella, are neutralized by ozone, greatly enhancing the quality of the water.

Because it leaves behind zero chemical residues, it’s highly efficient and environmentally friendly.

Sustainable development

Since ozone is a tri-atomic molecule of oxygen contained in air, the process is completely sustainable. Ozone is produced on-site and is safe as well as effective. Its production can be adjusted as needed. Ozone water treatment is a long-term solution for enhancing water quality.

Key Examples of Ozonated Water in Food Processing

1. Bottled Water

Ensuring product purity starts before the bottle is filled. Implementing a standard ozone dosage of 0.1 to 0.4 mg/L prior to bottling effectively sanitizes your water and prevents contamination. Because ozone leaves absolutely no chemical residue and never alters the natural taste, it delivers a seamless, value-added solution for a flawless production line.

2. Washing Fruits and Vegetables

Fresh produce is often washed in flume tanks or sprayed with ozonated water. A recommended dosage of 0.5 to 2 mg/L with a contact time contact of less than 4 minutes. This process rapidly eliminates surface pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, as well as mold spores that cause spoilage.

3. Poultry and Meat Processing

Ozonated water is used to chill and wash carcasses after slaughter. It reduces microbial loads on carcasses or fillets without changing the color, texture, or flavor of the product. It’s also used to sanitize equipment like conveyor belts, knives, and grinders. A recommended dissolved ozone of 1 to 3 mg/L with a contact time of less than 30 seconds is enough to significantly reduce microbial load.

4. Seafood Preservation

Fish and shellfish are highly perishable. Washing seafood with ozonated water—or even freezing it into “ozone ice”—drastically lowers the bacterial count responsible for that classic “fishy” smell, keeping the product fresher for much longer during transport.

5. Clean-in-Place (CIP) Systems

Food manufacturing plants use ozonated water to flush out pipelines, tanks, and filling machines. A recommended dissolved ozone of 2 to 4 mg/L with a contact time of 5 to 10 minutes effectively blasts away biofilms (stubborn layers of bacteria that stick to surfaces) without requiring the high temperatures or harsh acids that traditional sanitizers need.

The Benefits of Using Ozonated Water

Switching from traditional chemical sanitizers (like chlorine or peracetic acid) or high temperature sanitation to ozonated water offers major advantages across the board:

Benefit Category
How Ozonated Water Helps
Superior Disinfection
Ozone is roughly 50% more powerful than chlorine and acts up to 3,000 times faster against a broader spectrum of microorganisms.
No Chemical Residue
Unlike chlorine, which leaves behind trihalomethanes (THMs) and chemical tastes, ozone naturally reverts to pure oxygen ($O_2$). There is nothing to rinse off.
Extended Shelf Life
By destroying spoilage microorganisms and neutralizing ethylene gas (the hormone that makes fruits ripen and rot), it keeps food fresh days or weeks longer.
Cost and Water Savings
Because it leaves no residue, you don’t need a final “freshwater rinse” step. This cuts overall water consumption in half and reduces wastewater treatment costs.
Organic & Eco-Friendly
It is approved by the FDA, USDA, and EPA, and is fully permitted for use in certified organic food processing.

Have a question?

Contact us if you have any questions about all the different applications of ozone water treatment in the food industry.

Other applications

Aquaculture

Our systems provide oxygen-rich water, free of harmful pathogens and algae, supporting better yields, stable water quality, and healthier aquatic environments.

Cooling Towers

Our systems reduce bacteria and control biofilm, prevents legionella, reduces chemical dosing, and enhances system efficiency. A smart solution for keeping your cooling systems clean, compliant, and cost-effective.

Water Reuse

Through advanced oxidation, ozone breaks down organic and mineral contaminants, reduces BOD/COD, and enables water reuse or compliant discharge—an essential tool for industries facing strict pollution control requirements.

Municipal Drinking Water

Ozonation replaces chlorine in disinfection, reducing by-products (like THMs and HAAs), eliminating emerging pollutants, and improving both taste and safety—while meeting regulatory standards.

Odor Control

Our ozone generators are widely used in pumping stations, treatment pits, factories, and HVAC systems to eliminate VOCs and industrial odors at the source—without masking. A compliant, community-friendly solution.

Public Aquariums

Ozone treatment ensures crystal-clear water and reliable control of bacteria and parasites, all without chemical residues. It also improves indoor air quality for visitors and staff.

Waterparks & Public Pools

Say goodbye to harsh chemicals. Ozone disinfection is fast, and residue-free, providing clean, safe water for pools, slides, and attractions. It improves user comfort and reduces operating costs.

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