Rapid defrosting of meat and poultry using the ColdSteam process was pioneered by GEA Food Solutions, and it is fast gaining acceptance throughout the meat processing industry as a way of streamlining production logistics. The technology uses steam injected into a GEA ScanMidi tumbler under a vacuum to defrost frozen meat in a fraction of the time it takes using conventional tempering chambers.

It also reduces manual handling, decreases the risk of contamination, eliminates drip loss and delivers defrosted meat at an ideal temperature for further processing. 

Ideal for regions were frozen raw materials are the only solution

In regions like the Middle East, where there are relatively few local sources of fresh meat and poultry, frozen raw materials are often the only solution. So GEA Food Solutions took its Defrosting Seminar to the Acacia Hotel in Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates on 13 November 2012. During the one-day seminar, 23 participants were first given an explanation of the innovative defrosting technology before moving to nearby Allied Gulf Food Industries for a practical demonstration. This company was the first in the region to adopt ColdSteam defrosting.

Looks and feels like fresh poultry

Bo Wandkaer Jensen, one of GEA’s team that helped develop the technology, said, “Because the theory behind ColdSteam defrosting is relatively complex , a practical demonstration is extremely helpful to convince customers that it really does boost yield and offer food safety and cost benefits. We have been refining the process for over a decade, and its success lies in accurately controlling all parameters, something only possible with the combination of the ScanMidi and the applications experience we have built up.” His colleague Heath Jepson, who is responsible for GEA sales in the region, added, “Once our prospective customers see that the defrosted product that comes out of the system looks and feels like fresh poultry, they are keen to talk business.”

In addition to the theoretical and practical demonstrations, the seminar also covered food safety and product quality aspects as well as line solutions and return-on-investment (ROI) calculations. GEA Food Solutions is committed to developing innovative technologies that improve the performance of its customers’ operations, and use seminars as an extremely effective way of creating understanding of new technologies.

GEA Food Solutions

GEA Food Solutions specializes in performance-focused solutions for the food industry, from single machines to complete production lines for the preparation, marination, processing, slicing and packaging of primarily meat, poultry, fish, seafood and cheese-based products. GEA Food Solutions supports the performance of food processors throughout the lifecycle of the equipment by helping meet operational challenges such as product variety, process flexibility, reducing the cost per kilogram and per pack, food safety and the environment. GEA Food Solutions product and packaging uses innovation to improve output and reduce operating cost for food processors.

About GEA Group

GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft is one of the largest suppliers of process technology and components for the food and energy industries. As an international technology group, the Company focuses on sophisticated production processes. In 2011, GEA generated consolidated revenues in excess of EUR 5.4 billion, 70 percent of which came from the food and energy sectors, which are long-term growth industries. The group employed about 24,500 people worldwide as of September 30, 2012. GEA Group is a market and technology leader in its business areas. It is listed in Germany’s MDAX stock index (G1A, WKN 660 200) and the STOXX® Europe 600 Index.