Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an inorganic compound in the form of a colorless, non-volatile, and highly reactive liquid because of its ability to act as an oxidising agent. It is a versatile chemical compound that is used in many industries such as food processing due to its antimicrobial and bleaching ability.
Bleaching Agent
Antimicrobial
Food and Nutrition
Leather and textiles
One of the main uses of hydrogen peroxide is in the food industry where it acts as a food preservative to eliminate the bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
It is widely recommended for the sanitation of food handling equipment, premises and packaging materials among others.
Since H2O2 can bleach coloured compounds, it can be used to remove colors that may be undesirable in food products.
Due to this high oxidising potential, hydrogen peroxide is employed as an oxidising agent in the food processing industry.
The present study also reveals that hydrogen peroxide has antibacterial properties that can be applied for preservation of some of the food products by reducing microbial growth.
In the food industry, hydrogen peroxide is employed mainly in the treatment of food industry wastewater, as this chemical compound enhances the degradation of organic matter and disinfection of wastewater before disposal or re-circulation.
The food industry may buy hydrogen peroxide in bottles, drums or even in bulk if it is a large consumer of this product.