A Smart Approach to Cool Room Hygiene

Tired of cleaning the cool room? Australian-owned and manufactured, ultraviolet IM disinfection units from Australian Ultraviolet Services (AUVS) provide an additional method of microbial control for cool rooms and refrigerated food environments.

For more than 40 years, AUVS has manufactured IM units designed to provide automatic, 24/7, chemical-free UV treatment to assist with continuous microbial control.

Designed specifically for retail butcher businesses, the units help maintain product quality and presentation while potentially extending meat storage life.

Designed for meat and food storage environments, the units assist in minimising the growth of bacteria, mould spores, yeasts and algae within the cool room environment and on exposed surfaces.

UV technology has a long history of use in food environments, with CSIRO specifically investigating ultraviolet light for meat storage. In a 1970 investigation using continuous UV treatment, CSIRO reported a 50% increase in the storage life of mutton carcasses.

According to AUVS’ Paul La Rosa, one IM unit is generally suitable for approximately 5 square metres, with multiple units installed in larger cool rooms where required.

“The units are installed in the air path of the cool room blower, allowing the naturally circulating air to pass through the UV treatment area.

“By helping to minimise microbial growth, the system can assist in maintaining product quality and freshness. It can also help minimise mould growth within the cool room, potentially reducing the frequency and intensity of cleaning required.”

Depending on the application and operating conditions, the system can also allow cool rooms to operate at higher humidity levels, helping to reduce moisture loss from exposed meat and fish. Power consumption is extremely low, at approximately 1 watt per unit.

“The units are designed to work continuously in the background without chemicals or complicated operation,” said Paul.

“AUVS can also configure the units, where appropriate, to produce controlled levels of ozone. This can assist with odour control and provide an additional antimicrobial effect in areas not directly exposed to the UV light.”

UV-C light should not be viewed directly, so appropriate installation and controls are important.

“We generally recommend that the UV system is interlocked with the cool room lighting or door operation. Where the application requires the UV to operate while personnel are entering and exiting, we can also provide a protective baffle to limit direct line-of-sight to the lamps.”

There is no real-time readout on the standard unit. The most important factor is ensuring the lamp is operating and replaced within its recommended service life.

“We recommend that lamps are replaced every 12 months. Although a lamp may still appear to be operating after this period, its UV output decreases with use, so annual replacement is important to maintain the intended performance of the system.”

The IM units have also demonstrated exceptional longevity.

“Depending on the operating environment, we’ve replaced lamps in units that have been operating for 20–30 years or more.

“The units themselves are very robust and require very little maintenance. The lamp is the main maintenance item. Some customers replace the lamps themselves, some use their electrician or refrigeration mechanic, and others prefer us to do it for them.”

AUVS supplies IM units and replacement lamps Australia-wide, backed by specialised technical support. For Victorian customers, AUVS also offers on-site lamp replacement and maintenance services, including annual reminder calls or emails. For customers interstate, AUVS is also happy to set up an annual reminder service to ensure replacement lamps are ordered and changed on schedule. Sites with multiple units can also take advantage of subscription programs with automatic payments and pre-scheduled lamp replacements.

AUVS has been manufacturing IM units in Australia since 1981, with the units continuing to be manufactured at its Thomastown, Victoria facility.

“We supply units and replacement lamps throughout Australia and New Zealand to butchers, meat processors and abattoirs.

“The design has remained fundamentally unchanged for almost 40 years, which is something we’re very proud of. We’ve got units out there that have been operating for decades.”