The NZ dairy sector is vital to the economy, facing challenges from farm intensification, which affects microbial contamination in milk requiring improved quality management.
Spoilage bacteria and their enzymes (proteases and lipases) pose significant risk to dairy products. Spores and enzymes can persist through current pasteurization processes.
Emerging technologies such as far-UVC, blue LED light and cold plasma offer effective solutions for microbial inactivation, enzyme reduction and biofilm management, presenting environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional methods.
Combining cold plasma with light technologies shows promise for enhanced disinfection, biofilm control and shelf-life extension. Potential on-farm and processing line applications.