Germany-based Heraeus Noblelight said its emitters use carbon infrared radiation to penetrates even porous materials or multilayered germ beds.
The company has a range of carbon lamps, additional infrared lamps and UV lamps for sterilising foods. It says uses of the technology can help large bakeries comply with EU hygiene standards.
It said a six-month study by the Bremerhaven Institute for Food and Bio-processing Technology showed that the instruments destroyed germs and bacteria safely and in apracticable way.
"Even thick layers of germs, porous surfaces or dust particles did not hamper the process of sterilisation due to the deep penetrating action of the radiation," the company claimed in a press release.
Infrared radiation transmits large amounts of energy in a short time. The study showed that even at around 130°C to 140 °C, a sufficient sterilization effect is felt on the fermentation trays in less than 30 seconds, Heraeus Noblelight stated.
Depending upon the capacity of the radiator, moisture content and the desired speed, theprocess of germ reduction is achieved at temperatures between 120 °C and 160 °C within 10 to 30 seconds.
In addition, the tray cloths are dried with the infrared heat, something that increases their life-span, the company claimed.
Infrared lamps, using the carbon technology CIR, deliver power capacities up to 150 kW/m2 and response times in the range of seconds.
"Drying and sterilisation cycles can be precisely programmed and the possibility of overheating is eliminated during a conveyor halt," the company stated.