The Technology Development Institute at K-State Creates Innovative Conveyor System to Enhance Organic Produce Sanitation
Kansas State University’s Technology Development Institute, located within the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering, is collaborating with a team of researchers from various universities across the country to address concerns regarding organic-compliant food safety in the produce industry. Supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Organic Agriculture Research and Extension initiative, this partnership aims to develop new technologies that effectively control Listeria biofilms on food-contact surfaces and equipment.
A Unique Conveyor System for Organic Growers
As part of their efforts, the Technology Development Institute has designed and manufactured a one-of-a-kind portable conveyor system to facilitate testing at organic grower farms in the Midwest, Southwest, and Southeast regions. This system, which can operate at variable speeds, consists of four separate treatment zones that can be controlled individually. Each zone comprises a combination of UV-C lights and an aqueous spray system, enabling researchers to evaluate the efficacy of different treatment scenarios and determine the most effective methods of improving surface contact sanitation.
The flexibility of this conveyor system allows for easy transportation to different farms, enabling on-site testing under actual farm conditions. Manreet Bhullar, a research assistant professor in the horticulture and natural resources department at K-State and a member of the research team, provided the Technology Development Institute with a conceptual model that served as the basis for the system’s development. With the assistance of the institute, the model was refined and transformed into a manufacturable product.
“Having the Technology Development Institute as part of our team was crucial in securing our research funding through the USDA. Their engineering expertise played a pivotal role in bringing our vision for a conveyor treatment system to life,” said Valentina Trinetta, a food safety expert and associate professor at the Food Science Institute at K-State.
Current and Future Testing
The conveyor system is currently undergoing performance validation and the development of initial testing protocols at the Food Safety Lab at K-State Olathe. It is expected to be deployed for testing and evaluation in the field during the 2024 growing season.
In addition to testing and validating the system, the grant also focuses on providing workshops and demonstrations on cleaning and sanitation practices for organic growers nationwide. Moreover, it aims to evaluate the economic costs associated with the developed prototype.
Supporting Kansas’ Economic Growth
This project aligns with the K-State 105 initiative, a comprehensive economic growth and advancement solution for Kansas implemented by Kansas State University. The initiative leverages the university’s extensive research and extension network to bring knowledge, innovation, and solutions to every county in the state. Through partnerships with state institutions, agencies, nonprofits, and corporations, K-State 105 aims to enhance capacities and strengths across all 105 counties in Kansas.
About the Technology Development Institute at K-State
The Technology Development Institute at Kansas State University is a University Center supported by the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration. It provides a wide range of engineering and business development services to both private industry and university researchers to advance the commercial readiness of new products or technologies.
For more information and updates on the conveyor system and the overall project, refer to the official statement by Bret Lanz, a representative from Kansas State University.