A Comprehensive Review on Non-Thermal Technologies in Food Processing & Implementation in Different Food Industries:
Ali Raza1, Hafiz Muhammad Abdullah1, Muhammad Wasiq1
1Department of Food Science Government College University Faisalabad Pakistan.
Food Science & Nutrition
|April 15, 2026
Summary
Emerging non-thermal processing technologies enhance food safety and quality without heat. Six key methods, including cold plasma and high-pressure processing, offer benefits but face challenges like scalability and consumer acceptance.
Area of Science:
- Food Science and Technology
- Emerging Technologies in Food Processing
- Food Safety and Preservation
Background:
- Conventional thermal treatments can degrade food quality.
- Non-thermal processing offers an alternative for improved food safety and shelf-life extension.
- Consumer demand for minimally processed foods with preserved sensory and nutritional properties is increasing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze six key non-thermal processing technologies for the food industry.
- To compare their mechanisms, applications, and advantages over traditional methods.
- To identify challenges and future research directions for these technologies.
Main Methods:
- Review and analysis of six non-thermal technologies: cold plasma, high-pressure processing (HPP), pulsed electric fields (PEF), ozonation, ionizing radiation, and UV-C.
- Examination of their operational principles and industrial applications.
- Assessment of their impact on food quality, safety, and environmental sustainability.
Main Results:
- Non-thermal technologies offer improved food safety, extended shelf life, and preserved functional/sensory properties.
- Each technology presents unique advantages, contributing to industrial progress and consumer confidence.
- Benefits include environmental stability, superior product quality, and enhanced energy efficiency.
Conclusions:
- Non-thermal processing is a promising field with significant potential to transform the food industry.
- Challenges such as scalability, regulatory hurdles, and consumer perception need to be addressed.
- Future research should explore integration with AI and nanotechnology to further enhance processing efficiency.
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