Portable CO2 Analyser gives early warning of Fruit Contamination

Kerry Foods required a CO₂ monitor to detect small changes in CO₂ levels in the headspace above food products stored in stainless steel tanks. The plant processes fruit conserves and confectionery sauces, stored in approximately 2000 tanks at 400-800Kg capacity. Patterns of headspace CO₂ are monitored, with each tank being monitored regularly. Although CO₂ levels may rise to above 1% with some foods, such as strawberry or peach, higher levels can be an early indication of problems. This may be due to a tank being overfilled, but high CO₂ could also indicate yeast or mould contamination. Calibration is checked twice a day, using, ensuring readings for the 100 tanks a day are accurate.

Jo Ware, Deputy Quality Manager, said: "The G100 is easy to use, very quick and accurate. We have had other CO₂ analysers in the past but this is by far the most portable due to its size."