Ozone Compliance with Food Codex: Why It’s One of the Safest Solutions in Food Safety

Ozone Compliance with Food Codex: Why It’s One of the Safest Solutions in Food Safety

Food safety has become a top priority for modern production facilities. As companies seek more natural, eco-friendly, and residue-free hygiene solutions, ozone has emerged as one of the most effective technologies available today. Its strong antimicrobial power and ability to convert back into oxygen make it an ideal disinfectant for food processing environments.

But how does ozone align with national and international food regulations? Is it officially approved for use in food applications?
In this article, we explore ozone’s compliance with the Food Codex and why it is considered one of the safest and most efficient hygiene solutions.

🌿 What Is Ozone and Why Is It Used in Food Processing?

Ozone (O₃) is a natural molecule with powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It is widely used in the food industry for:

  • Surface and equipment disinfection

  • Washing fruits and vegetables

  • Sterilizing process water

  • Cold room and storage sanitation

  • Meat, poultry, and seafood surface treatment

  • Packaging sterilization

  • CIP (Cleaning-in-Place) applications

Its biggest advantage is that ozone leaves no chemical residue, as it quickly decomposes back into oxygen.

🌍 International Regulations on Ozone Use

Many global authorities officially recognize ozone as a safe and compliant disinfectant for food processing.

🇺🇸 FDA (Food and Drug Administration – USA)

The FDA lists ozone as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe).
According to 21 CFR 173.368:

Ozone may be safely used as an antimicrobial agent in the treatment, storage, and processing of foods, including meat and poultry.

This is one of the strongest regulatory approvals available.

🇺🇳 Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO)

Codex classifies ozone as a processing aid, not a food additive.
It is recognized as a safe disinfectant for:

  • Food processing water

  • Washing raw materials

  • Surface sanitation

Since ozone leaves no residue, it fully complies with Codex standards for food hygiene.

🇪🇺 European Union Regulations

The EU allows ozone for disinfecting:

  • Water used in food production

  • Food-contact surfaces

  • Processing equipment

Ozone generators are also evaluated under relevant EN safety standards.

🇹🇷 Ozone in Turkish Food Codex

In Türkiye, ozone is permitted for:

  • Drinking and process water disinfection

  • Food-contact surface sanitation

  • Hygiene in food production environments

According to hygiene regulations, disinfectants used in food facilities must not leave chemical residues or create contamination risk.
Since ozone naturally returns to oxygen, it meets this requirement perfectly.

This makes ozone an increasingly preferred solution in the Turkish food industry.

⭐ Why Is Ozone Considered Food Codex-Compliant?

Ozone meets all major criteria required by food safety regulations:

  • ✔ No chemical residue (O₃ → O₂)

  • ✔ Highly effective against bacteria, viruses, mold, and spores

  • ✔ Does not affect taste, smell, or appearance of food

  • ✔ Reduces reliance on harsh chemicals

  • ✔ Eco-friendly and sustainable

  • ✔ Recognized by FDA, EU, and Codex Alimentarius

For businesses aiming to meet high hygiene standards while supporting sustainability goals, ozone is one of the best available options.

🏭 Common Uses of Ozone in the Food Industry

Ozone plays a critical role in many production processes, including:

  • Fruit and vegetable washing

  • Meat, fish, and poultry processing

  • Dairy production facilities

  • Bottling and packaging sterilization

  • Storage and cold room sanitation

  • CIP and process line cleaning

  • Bakery and confectionery operations

  • Beverage and water treatment systems

Its versatility makes it suitable for almost all segments of the food sector.

📌 Conclusion: Ozone Is Fully Compliant and Highly Trusted in Food Safety

Ozone is officially recognized by global authorities and the Turkish Food Codex as a safe, effective, and residue-free disinfectant. Its natural decomposition into oxygen and strong antimicrobial action make it one of the most reliable hygiene technologies in the food industry.

As sustainability and clean-label production become more important, ozone stands out as a future-focused solution that supports both food safety and environmental responsibility.