Environmental Chemistry and Engineering

Green Technologies in Food Processing

Green technology in food processing could be defined as a set of technologies that are used in food processing in respect of maintaining ecosystem resilience and food nutrients. The rapid growth of population and life style are the driving forces of technological changes. A larger population breeds more educated individuals, thus creating intense competition which triggers the development of highly sophisticated technologies. Food is essential for human needs. It plays a role in human mental and physical health. Technology is inevitably required for food processing to meet food demands. The main purpose of food processing is to process commodities, such as plants, animals, fibers and aquatic creatures, into diverse edible foods with extended shelf life. Food processing involves one or more processes such as sorting, cleaning, washing, peeling, freezing and other processes. Food additives may also be added during the process in order to maintain or increase the quality of the products.