Development of a Dual-wavelength 222 nm/405 nm Light-based Disinfection System for Advanced Food Safety

Food safety is critical, with foodborne outbreaks causing serious health risks and an estimated $15.6 billion annual economic impact. Current decontamination methods face challenges--chemical treatments pose health and environmental concerns, while physical techniques require high energy and cost. FDA-approved UV-C technology is emerging as a promising solution.Far UV-C (222 nm) light offers enhanced disinfection while being safer for human exposure, unlike traditional UV-C.?When combined with 405 nm LED light, the two wavelengths create a synergistic effect, improving safety, disinfection speed, range, and penetration into food tissues.To address this, Eden Park Illumination is partnering with food scientists at the University of Illinois to develop a compact, high-performance dual-wavelength (222 nm/405 nm) module for effective food decontamination. Phase II will focus on scaling up the technology for large-scale food processing applications.This initiative not only enhances UV-C safety and effectiveness but also supports the USDA's mission to ensure a safe, nutritious, and reliable food supply for the U.S. and beyond.