Algae can be potentially dangerous to human health if contaminated with toxic substances such as toxins, heavy metals, bacteria or viruses.
What microbiological infections if the algae are not correctly handled and stored?
Improperly handled and stored algae can be contaminated with various microorganisms, causing potential infections such as Vibrio, Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, among others. It is important to follow good food hygiene practices to prevent these infections and ensure food safety.
Which industrial pasteurization treatment to treat contaminated algae while preserving its intrinsic qualities?
Pasteurization is a heat treatment that consists of passing food products to a temperature high enough for a certain time to destroy undesirable microorganisms while preserving the nutritional and organoleptic qualities of the algae. It is important to choose a pasteurization method adapted to the nature of the algae and to control parameters such as temperature, time and refrigeration method to guarantee food safety while preserving the intrinsic qualities of the algae. Common pasteurization methods include steam pasteurization, heat exchanger pasteurization, and UV pasteurization. It is recommended that you consult a food processing expert to choose the best method for the particular contaminated seaweed.