This is a concept of vending machine dispensing decontaminated food. Decontamination comes from germicidal pulsed light placed in the equipment, emitted periodically to extend shelf life of foods. Pulsed light is a form of nonthermal energy.

This is a greener way to decontaminate as no thermal energy is used. The unique aspects is that it actively and periodically decontaminates the retailed items up till point of purchase.

Existing vending machines are rarely  equipped with decontamination elements. Those  which do, decontaminates only once for each product sold, i.e., before dispensing. There is no decontamination between point of placement and point of dispense. If the duration between the two points is long, then perishable items will deteriorate faster.

Periodic decontamination while in retail extends product shelf life. This invention allows not only shelf stable food to be retailed through the vending system, but perishable food can also be retailed the same way.

None of the current technlogies provides a periodic decontamination treatment to food products stored in the vending machine. Although some vending machines have hygienic protection means, the food products are still at risk of being decontaminated since the hygienic protection means merely sterilize the surfaces of the processing unit and not the food product itself.

This vending machine is capable of actively and periodically decontaminating the retailed items up till the point of purchase. Thus preserving and maintaining freshness of the dispensed food products. The invention is also advantageous as it provides the consumers with fresh and safe food products. With longer shelf life, it is also another advantage of the present invention to reduce food waste and business loss to the business owners of vending machines.

Market Potential

• Fresh fruit and fresh-cut fruits/vegetable retailer and vendors.
• General public, health enthusiasts

TRL: 4

Inventor

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Noranizan Mohd Adzahan 
Faculty of Food Science and Technology
noraadzahan@upm.edu.my

Tarikh Input: 31/07/2023 | Kemaskini: 31/07/2023 | asrizam