Safety analysis and hazard control during food processing and storage in the BIO-Plex Interconnecting Transfer Tunnel

The food system, being designed for the BIO-Plex (Bioregenerative Planetary Life Support Systems Test Complex), will be a plant-based diet that requires most of the food to be grown, processed, and prepared in the BIO-Plex. Conversion of crops to edible foods will require extensive food processing within the closed environment of this habitat. Because all consumables in the BIO-Plex will be recycled and reused, food safety is a primary concern. Multifunctional equipment necessary for food processing of the baseline crops (wheat, soybeans, rice, peanuts, dried beans, potatoes, sweet potatoes, lettuce, chard, tomatoes, green onions, carrots, and radishes) was identified. Recommendations for placement of the food processing equipment in the Interconnecting Transfer Tunnel (ITT) of the BIO-Plex were made to facilitate the processing flow diagrams, increase work efficiency, and prevent cross-contamination of pathogens and antinutrients. Sanitation equipment and procedures necessary during food processing in the ITT are described.