Atria-Valmisruoka Oy Strengthens Hygiene Assurance with Antimicrobial Blue Light Technology
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Atria-Valmisruoka Oy, part of the Finnish food group Atria, is a leading manufacturer of high-quality ready-to-eat meals. With food safety at the core of its operations, the company continuously invests in solutions that protect product integrity and ensure long-term hygiene reliability.
Recently, Atria-Valmisruoka Oy expanded its hygiene program by implementing Spectral Blue MWHI® multi-wavelength, high-intensity antimicrobial blue light (aBL) technology in selected high-hygiene areas as a proactive step to further strengthen its existing controls.
Building on a Strong Hygiene Foundation
Even before the introduction of Spectral Blue technology, hygiene management at the facility was at a very high standard. The system included:
•   Strict hygiene zoning
•   Mandatory change of shoes and clothing
•   Controlled access to high-hygiene areas
•   Thorough hand washing and disinfection procedures
•   Continuous hygiene monitoring
The blue light disinfection system was installed in a high-hygiene area to provide an additional layer of surface hygiene control and to safeguard the functionality of the hygiene barrier.
“The investment decision was made as additional measure to ensure the hygiene level also in the future.”, said Tommi Kumpulainen, Production Manager at Atria.
A Proactive Approach to Listeria Management
In ready-to-eat products category there is an increasing EU focus on Listeria monocytogenes control, creating pressure across the industry. For Atria-Valmisruoka Oy the new regulation is not a problem as the company has already invested consistently in Listeria management and has prepared well in advance.
The blue light technology was likewise introduced as a proactive step to reinforce an already robust hygiene strategy – while there have been no issues before, the system will make sure it stays that way in the future too, ensuring long term food safety and regulatory compliance.
Why Spectral Blue?
The decision to implement blue light technology was clear and pragmatic. The solution had already been successfully used in Atria group’s other facilities, and positive internal experiences supported expanding its use to this site.
A key consideration was the desire to avoid adding further chemical load to production areas. Modern chemical-free technologies align well with Atria-Valmisruoka Oy’s objective of maintaining high hygiene standards while minimizing unnecessary inputs into the production environment.
In this particular space, which includes a passageway, ultraviolet-based solutions were not considered suitable from an occupational safety perspective. The safe blue light system provided a practical alternative that integrates smoothly into daily operations. Equipped with motion sensors, the system automatically deactivates when personnel enter the space, ensuring uninterrupted workflow.
“The implementation went without any problems.”
A Recommendation to the Industry
The facility remains under continuous monitoring, and the new blue light solution supports ongoing hygiene assurance particularly in reducing long-term operational and financial risks, such as potential product recalls or production interruptions.
“Blue light supports hygiene assurance very well.”
For food manufacturers considering new ways to manage Listeria risks and strengthen hygiene barriers, Atria-Valmisruoka Oy offers clear guidance:
“I definitely recommend blue light for facilities where there is no continuous flow or permanent workstation [to give the system enough time to operate]. With a reasonable investment cost, the hygiene level of the process and facilities can be improved.”
Future-Ready Hygiene Assurance
By proactively implementing antimicrobial blue light technology, Atria-Valmisruoka Oy demonstrates its forward-thinking approach to food safety. Rather than reacting to external pressure, the company chose to reinforce its already strong hygiene standards, ensuring reliable production and food safety today and in the future.
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