Food innovation with SAIREM: fresher ready meals, increased food safety and a longer shelf life with the new generation of microwave pasteurisation tunnels

sairemSIAL 2022

SAIREM, a world-leading specialist in microwave (MW) and radio frequency (RF) industrial solutions based in Lyon, France, will showcase the company’s new innovative systems to produce fresh ready meals at SIAL from 15-19 October 2022 in Paris, France.

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Pasteurisation via microwave technology is 50% more energy efficient than other heat treatment options an processes all types of trays no matter the size or the composition - plastic, glass or paper based.

The French company develops highly specialised processes for tempering, drying, pasteurising and sanitising food. SAIREM's microwave tunnels, are validated with excellent results and are designed for continuous processes and are among the most efficient systems available. The pasteurisation tunnels can be used for fresh ready meals or meal components.

SAIREM MW and RF solutions: speed, yield and quality

SAIREM’s MW and RF systems optimise the tempering, cooking, and pasteurisation of all kinds of raw and processed foods, including delicate ingredients such as fish. The use of microwaves is a thermal process that heats homogeneously, eliminates cold spots and enables precise temperature control. It’s a precise heat treatment that increases yield and improves the nutritional quality of the food. Additionally, the speed of the process coupled with the right temperature settings limits bacterial growth, thereby ensuring food safety.

Pasteurisation via microwave technology is 50% more energy efficient than other heat treatment options when producing ready meals. SAIREM’s new generation of pasteurisation tunnels are suitable for all types of ready meals or single components. Depending on the ingredients and the customer’s process, the tunnel can either pasteurise only, or cook and pasteurise at the same time. The latter is more suitable for fish and seafood as it has short cooking times. However, all food options - meat, seafood, fish, vegetarian, vegan and alternative proteins - can be processed.  The more sensitive the ingredient, the better MW technology is suited to it. The tunnel pasteurises at a maximum temperature of 95-100°C depending on the product.

Efficient systems lead to greater sustainability

SAIREM tunnels process all types of trays no matter the size or the composition - plastic, glass or paper based. Customers are free to use the packaging of their choice. The filled trays are sealed with or without gas and the system can also be used for thermoformed packs and pouches. An added advantage is that no packaging valves are necessary. The result is a good-looking meal without vacuum.

SAIREM technology is energy efficient and 100% electric – resulting in no greenhouse gas emissions at the production plant. The shelf life of ready meals depends on the pasteurisation value, but it is usually around 25-30 days, assuring less food waste. The reduction of food waste and the extremely durable, energy-efficient machines are all factors that contribute to a high level of sustainability. Additionally, the company is authorised in the processing of organic food by most international organic certification bodies.

Tried and tested – salmon at its best

In close collaboration with the CTCPA institute in Avignon, France, SAIREM has developed a new generation of MW tunnels with patented functions. At CTCPA, tests were run to assess food quality and safety, product and process, industrial and environmental performance. A salmon meal recipe with sweet potato puree and green beans was tested in a consumer panel and found to have a delicious, fresh taste, texture, and colour compared to another technology. Furthermore, the test established that healthy nutrients are preserved, the need for additives is eliminated and there is no weight loss. In light of today’s busy modern lifestyle, ready meals produced with SAIREM systems are a tasty, healthy solution for consumers with limited time and many different dietary restrictions.

SAIREM offers standardised tunnels as well as custom-made machines in accordance with customer requirements.

Visit SAIREM at SIAL: HALL 7 | E - 357

About SAIREM

Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Lyon, France, SAIREM is a world leader in industrial microwave and radio frequency applications with more than 5000 SAIREM machines in operation in 70 countries around the world. With a strong focus on R&D and a dedicated team of 30 people, continuous investment in research has led SAIREM to become one of the few companies mastering both MW and RF technologies. An extensive patent portfolio protects these technologies and allows SAIREM to help customers choose and implement the best industrial solution for their plant. SAIREM offers the entire value chain of its solutions, designing most of the components used - whether electronic cards, mechanical elements, or software.

Offering more than 40 years of experience, SAIREM has achieved an impressive growth of 20 % per year over the last three years and has doubled the number of its employees. www.sairem.com