India, May 27 -- Are your pasteurization and sterilization systems keeping pace with today's compliance and safety expectations?
The demand for pasteurization and sterilization systems in food processing is growing at a steady, measurable rate-not explosive, but significant. According to recent projections, the global food pasteurization machine market is expected to double by 2033, and India's food processing industry is set to reach $535 billion by 2025-26. With increasingly stringent regulatory requirements from authorities like the FDA, EU, and FSSAI, food processors-especially in export-sensitive categories like spices and dehydrated foods-must reassess whether their current systems are up to standard.
Steam pasteurization has become a preferred alternative. It's natural, chemical-free, and capable of delivering validated microbial reduction without damaging product quality. At MillNest, we help manufacturers implement efficient, end-to-end steam pasteurization systems customized for Global operations, powered by technology from our European partner, Tema Process.
The Growing Need for Safe and Sustainable Decontamination
In recent years, food safety regulations have become more rigorous. Dehydrated onions, garlic, turmeric, chili, and spice blends-core products for Global processors-face increased scrutiny due to frequent contamination incidents. These products are a risk to pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, and if not treated properly, may lead to rejection export consignments or regulatory penalties, and are not safe for health.
Hot-air drying alone is insufficient. Chemical fumigation, still used by some processors, is banned or restricted in many international markets. Moreover, these methods fail to meet clean-label standards and raise concerns around residues and long-term health impacts.
Steam pasteurization addresses these challenges by delivering a proven microbial reduction process, aligned with FSSAI, FDA, and EU requirements. It helps ensure food safety while preserving sensory attributes such as taste, aroma, color, and quality.
How Steam Differs from Traditional Methods
Steam pasteurization involves exposing food to saturated steam at 100-105 degreeC for a very short duration-typically 30 to 60 seconds. This process is highly effective at reducing microbial load without prolonged heat exposure that could compromise product quality.
In contrast, chemical fumigants like ethylene oxide or propylene oxide leave toxic residues and are increasingly rejected by regulators. Prolonged dry-heat sterilization can over-process the product, stripping it of its natural qualities.
Steam strikes the right balance. It is effective, fast, and safe for a wide variety of food formats-from onion and garlic to heat-sensitive herbs and blended seasonings.
A Closer Look at the Processing Line
In a typical setup for dehydrated onion processing, peeled and sliced onions are moved via a hygienic belt into a continuous steam pasteurizer-a shaking-bed autoclave. Inside, the product is treated with saturated steam under controlled parameters. From here, it flows into a vibrating fluid-bed dryer that removes residual moisture and cools the product. The material is then transferred pneumatically for packaging, ensuring zero recontamination.
This entire process is executed within minutes, thanks to an integrated design that minimizes handling and preserves quality. MillNest's solution ensures full traceability, automation, and process control, making the system not only efficient but also audit-ready.
Benefits of the System
Steam pasteurization is not just a safer method-it offers a business advantage. By switching to this technology, processors gain the ability to:
* Achieve consistent, validated microbial reduction for major pathogens
* Preserve sensory characteristics of heat-sensitive products
* Comply with global export standards without relying on chemicals
* Shorten processing cycles without compromising effectiveness
* Improve batch consistency and reduce product loss
* Integrate automated controls for better monitoring and traceability
MillNest's Turnkey Integration
What sets MillNest apart is its comprehensive, engineering-led approach. We don't just deliver equipment-we deliver performance. Our systems include:
Tema Process's shaking-bed autoclave, a fluid-bed dryer and cooler, automated material handling, PLC-based control architecture, and full CIP capability. Every component is optimized for long-term reliability, low maintenance, and seamless integration.
From layout planning and installation to commissioning, training, and validation-we manage the complete process. Our experience with Global infrastructure challenges, climate variations, and regulatory expectations ensures a smooth, results-driven deployment.
Designed for Indian Food Processing Realities
MillNest systems are designed to adapt to local conditions-from high humidity environments to variable power supply. Our modular equipment integrates easily with both new and existing production lines, and is built to handle multiple product types including garlic, herbs, chili, onion, seasoning blends, and even functional proteins.
The systems are scalable-from pilot-scale lines to 4,000+ kg/hr commercial setups. Each project is tailored to the client's capacity, product type, and regulatory environment.
Conclusion
Steam pasteurization offers food processors a forward-looking way to meet market demands, safety expectations, and operational goals. It's a robust alternative to chemical treatments and legacy heat systems, helping producers stay competitive in a fast-regulating world.
MillNest makes this transformation practical, affordable, and reliable. If you're building or upgrading a food processing plant that handles dehydrated materials, it's time to explore how a natural, steam-based microbial control step can make your operations future ready.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from FoodTechBiz.