Abstract
Dense phase carbon dioxide is a non-thermal processing alternative with many advantages for the pasteurization of juice. This chapter discusses the validation, scale-up, and commercialization of the first dense phase carbon dioxide processing system in the United States. Process validation and shelf life studies showed that dense phase carbon dioxide processing is capable of maintaining the freshly squeezed quality of orange juice while meeting the 5-log reduction on pertinent pathogens as mandated by the Food and Drug Administration Juice Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Regulation. Results of the pilot model, the prototypes, and the commercial system demonstrated that the dense phase carbon dioxide system is scalable in terms of size and performance.