Germicidal UVC Lamps Protect Food with Irradiation

Food irradiation has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 1963 as a safe method of eliminating foodborne pathogens and controlling spoilage. Food irradiation was first approved by the FDA to eliminate insects in flour and wheat.  The FDA and USDA have since approved UV germicidal food irradiation (UVGI) to treat vegetables, fruits, spices, red meats and raw poultry.

The FDA regulates food irradiation in the United States. UVGI is also endorsed by the American Medical Association and the World Health Organization.  Food irradiation provides many benefits in the food and beverage industry with germicidal UVC lamps eliminating harmful microorganisms on food products, surfaces and water/beverage systems.  

What are the Benefits of Food Irradiation?

Food irradiation provides many benefits to the safety of foods such as preserving nutritional value, prolonging shelf life and sterilizing harmful pathogens to reduce health hazards.  Here are some of the most important benefits of UVGI:

• Prevent foodborne illnesses – UVGI is proven to eliminate organisms that cause  Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella

• Foodborne preservation – UV disinfection lamps destroy the organisms that cause decomposition and spoilage which extends the shelf life of many foods

• Insect control – food irradiation safely destroys insects on foods such as tropical fruits which are imported into the U.S. without the use of pesticides that may damage certain fruits 

• Delay ripening and sprouting – UV food irradiation lamps delay the sprouting in potatoes, onions and garlic to increase food longevity

• Sterilization – hospitals use sterilized foods for patients with severe immune deficiency illnesses such as AIDS or people who are receiving chemotherapy treatments

UV light offers these many benefits for food sterilization and is also used in the bottled water industry and food packaging processes.  UV lamps are used to treat surfaces such as conveyor belts, working surfaces and packaging containers. Germicidal UV lamps are highly effective at eliminating harmful pathogens on many food products although safe food handling procedures are still required to protect against foodborne illnesses. 

LightSources Supplies Germicidal UVC Lamps for Food Irradiation

LightSources is a leading supplier of germicidal UVC lamps found in many surface, water and air sterilization systems.  Our highly skilled UV lamp designers and engineers excel with custom designed germicidal solutions to meet specific sterilization requirements.  We understand UV radiation and incorporate the latest technology for longer lasting, more effective UVC lamps which deliver cost saving efficiencies. 

We offer low-pressure mercury and amalgam lamps, medium pressure germicidal UV lamps, specialty lamp components and more.  Our lamps are found worldwide in many commercial, industrial and residential applications. LightSources is committed to research, development and continual improvement, delivering first-to-market, patented UVC germicidal solutions which outlast and outperform comparable lamps.  

The LightSources Group consists of the leading high-tech lamp designers and engineers in the industry, supplying OEM-oriented solutions for germicidal applications worldwide.  We offer a vast product line, as well as prototype and custom designed UV lamp solutions. Contact us for more information on UVC germicidal solutions for any application as well as food irradiation. 

Do UV Germicidal Lamps Really Work?

An ultraviolet (UV) germicidal lamp produces ultraviolet radiation with electricity. UV radiation is proven to eliminate harmful germs, bacteria, viruses and microorganisms within seconds of exposure. UV radiation emitted at 254 nm is the most effective wavelength which instantly penetrates the DNA of these harmful cells and renders them unable to replicate. Viruses and germs that cannot multiplied to infectious levels are considered dead and harmless.

Low-pressure Mercury discharge lamps are similar in construction to fluorescent lamps although the inner lamp wall does not have a phosphor coating which allows the right amount of UV radiation to filter through.  Low-pressure Mercury germicidal lamps convert up to 40% of electricity into UV radiation.  

The lamp body of a UV germicidal lamp is made with soft glass, quartz or pure fused quartz. Lamp bodies constructed with pure fused quartz of 185 nm as well as 254 nm emissions with VH (very high) glass.  UV germicidal lamps that transmit 185 nm of UV radiation produce ozone which is a known oxidizer and sanitizer. Ozone effectively eliminates foul odors in the air and can be transmitted through the air to reach places direct UV exposure cannot reach.

UV lamps manufactured with quartz and titanium block out 185 nm emissions to transmit 254 nm of UVC radiation only. UVC lamps engineered with L glass is soft glass which transmits 254 nm UV radiation for germicidal effectiveness.  Electrodes located at each lamp and connect an external current source to the Mercury gas discharge device. 

The germicidal lamp body is filled with either pure argon gas or a mixture of rare gasses including neon and argon. A small amount of mercury produces the necessary UVC radiation.  UV germicidal lamps really do work although it is best to speak with a reputable UV lamp manufacturer to be sure that you achieve the right emissions of UV radiation for your application.

LightSources has constructed patented UVC germicidal lamps which outlast and outperform comparable products with energy efficiency and safety features included.  You can find our germicidal lamps in air purification systems and water sterilization applications worldwide.

The LightSources group is a leading global supplier of proven UV germicidal layouts and high-tech lighting solutions.  We provide a wide selection of UVC germicidal lamp products proven in applications worldwide. Contact us to learn more and for custom designed UV lamp solutions to fit your needs.

Do UV Air Purifiers Eliminate Mold?

Ultraviolet (UV) lamps have been used for years for effective elimination of mold and mold spores. UV lamps combined with in duct air purification systems such as in HVAC and AC units effectively eliminate bacteria in air along with microscopic organisms, mold, mildew and viruses to prevent airborne contamination and illnesses. UV air purifiers improve the health and wellness of people in commercial and residential settings by sterilizing the air we breathe.  

Mold and mold spores can become a real problem as well as a health hazard. While eliminating a mold problem once it has been allowed to occur can take a lot of work with varying results, it is best to prevent the spread of mold spores and contamination in the first place.

Hospitals, schools, colleges, daycares, doctor’s offices and businesses all benefit from providing clean and healthy air for residents and visitors.  UVC germicidal lamps are designed to emit UV radiation at a specific wavelength, proven to instantly destroy harmful contaminants. UVC also lamps also eliminate foul odors while purifying and sterilizing the air.  

LightSources Supplies Proven UVC Lamps for Air Purification Systems

LightSources is recognized as a leading global supplier of UVC solutions with germicidal lamps found in air purification and treatment systems worldwide.  We deliver high-tech UV lamp solutions developed with proprietary technology for longer-lasting germicidal effectiveness. Our UVC lamps are proven in many commercial and industrial air purification systems, improving health and wellness with clean and purified air.

Our vast global resources include a high-tech glass factory in Europe in several partner companies committed to excellence with high performance lamps and lighting solutions.

The LightSources Group is known for delivering first to market, high-tech UV lamp solutions to a wide range of commercial and industrial applications. We deliver high-performance UVC germicidal lamps proven to outlast and outperform the competition. Contact us to learn more about our UVC germicidal solutions with custom options available.