Netherlands-based food service innovation company TOP is developing a high-quality, oxygen-free dispenser-system that can help in retaining the freshness of food for a longer duration.
The company is working on the dispenser with Dutch company Food Dispense and the German company Bio4Pack. The initiative is being supported with a subsidy from Food Future.
The dispensers make use of controlled atmosphere (CA) which helps in maintaining the freshness of products like nuts, cereals, or coffee beans for longer time periods.
The dispensers are equipped with a special unit which ensures that only nitrogen enters the container instead of oxygen. This helps in slowing down the oxidation.
The food release point has a special screw that helps in keeping the nitrogen separate from the ambient air when in use. This new container helps in providing a high quality and hygienic alternative to scoop bins.
The prototype of the container measures around 41 x 15 x 47 cm (hxwxd), which includes the unit separating the nitrogen from the oxygen.
TOP said that the dispenser could be of use for food retailers, who in many counties already work with dispense systems.
The company stated that the disadvantage of existing dispense systems is that products loose their freshness sooner in comparison to low oxygen pre-packaged food, a problem that can be solved with the CA dispensers.
TOP also said that the new dispenser could be useful in enhancing the quality of food products offered at office canteens or breakfast rooms in hotels.
