Patent ID: 6645429
Filing Date: 2003-11-11
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
A system for sterilizing a food packaging area comprising:a food packaging area having exposed surfaces including ceiling, wall and floor surfaces and packaging equipment located and contained within the food packaging area, the packaging equipment having exposed and nonexposed surfaces; a source of a sterilizing agent; means for introducing the sterilizing agent into the atmosphere of the food packaging area to create an aerosol suspension containing the sterilizing agent and to contact substantially all of the exposed and nonexposed surfaces to be sterilized in the food packaging area, the means for introducing the sterilizing agent being capable of supplying the sterilizing agent in the area in sufficient concentration to reduce the microbial concentration in the atmosphere and on the surfaces contacted by the sterilizing agent contained in the food packaging area; and means for condensing sterilizing agent on at least substantially all exposed surfaces in the food packaging area that are to be sterilized and for contacting substantially all nonexposed surfaces in the area that are to be sterilized by contact with the sterilizing agent contained in the food packaging area.