Clean Energy in Food Production – How LNG Impacts Product Quality and Safety in Plants with High Sanitary Standards
Food production is an industry in which the highest sanitary standards and product quality are an absolute priority. Especially in sectors such as dairy, meat processing, fruit and vegetable processing or bakery products, precise and safe technological processes are key to maintaining food freshness and safety.
In the food industry, LNG – liquefied natural gas – is becoming an increasingly popular energy solution. Thanks to its properties, LNG allows for efficient and clean combustion, which has a direct impact on the quality of production processes and final products.
Precise control of heating and steam processes
Many stages of food production require the use of heat – from pasteurization, sterilization, through cooking and drying, to the production of process steam. Using LNG as a fuel for boilers and furnaces allows for precise control of the temperature and processing time, which minimizes the risk of excessive overheating or undercooking of raw materials.
Such precise management of process parameters is crucial for maintaining the organoleptic properties, nutritional value and microbiological safety of products.
Minimizing pollutant emissions and contamination risks
Compared to traditional fossil fuels, LNG is characterized by significantly lower emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur (SOx) and particulate matter. In food production plants, this means a lower risk of contamination of raw materials and final products with dust or toxic substances.
Cleaner combustion also means less soot and other contaminants build up in production equipment, making it easier to maintain high hygiene standards and reducing the need for frequent downtime for cleaning and maintenance.
Examples of LNG applications in the food industry
- Dairies: LNG is used to power steam boilers needed for pasteurizing milk and producing cheese. The stability and purity of the energy allow for maintaining the highest quality of dairy products and meeting strict sanitary requirements.
- Meat processing plants: In the process of cooking, smoking or sterilizing meat products, LNG provides a stable source of energy that minimizes the risk of technological interruptions and a negative impact on the taste and safety of products.
- Production of feed and food additives: Clean LNG energy affects the stability of the drying and processing process, which has a direct impact on the nutritional value and quality of feed and other nutritional components.
Supporting energy transformation and security of supply
LNG implementation also fits into the broader context of energy transformation. Thanks to its high efficiency and low emissions, LNG helps food plants meet environmental standards and reduce their carbon footprint. Additionally, the flexibility of LNG supplies allows for independence from the gas network, which is particularly important for plants without access to a gas pipeline with the required parameters.
LNG is not only an efficient and economical source of energy, but above all a key element supporting high quality and safety of food production in plants with demanding sanitary standards. Thanks to LNG, the food industry can operate efficiently, cleanly and in accordance with the highest standards - which has a direct impact on the health and satisfaction of consumers.