Science: Bacteria Gun

That ultraviolet rays kill small organisms like bacteria and algae is one of those things which was discovered in the laboratory as a fact of pure science and is now being adapted to practical applications. Last week an article in the Electric Journal, abstracted in the Journal of the Franklin Institute, showed that ultraviolet “bacteria guns” are finding their way into industry.

These publications had kind words to say of the “Sterilamp,” a Westinghouse product. A series of long, narrow tubes shedding their garish blue light on meat in a butcher’s showcase foils bacterial attack so successfully that only moderate refrigeration is necessary. Meat packers who “tender” their meats by hanging or aging (allowing enzymes to break down the tough fibers) now find it safe to speed up the tendering process by using warmer temperatures under violet-ray protection. Bakers irradiate bread and cake before wrapping, to kill mold spores, increase the salable life of the product by several days.