ABSTRACT
The number of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) installations and technology application continue to increase around the globe. However, according to HHP equipment manufacturer, 55% of the total number of machines in production in North America is home to more units than across the globe combined. The adoption of HHP in the U.S. has been driven by a regulatory requirement for processors to apply a pathogen reduction step in high risk Ready-to-Eat (RTE) food and beverage production. However, in other countries HHP treated products fell within the Novel Foods category requiring a full assessment prior to implementation. Novel Foods and Ingredients are regulated in a varying manner by country, with the majority of systems based on a risk or safety assessment review model, with most also requiring notification and approval.
This chapter will provide an overview on the HHP processing market and regulatory approaches in selected countries within North America, Asia, Europe and Oceania. As HHP becomes established as a proven nonthermal intervention step it can be anticipated that harmonization of policy will become established between trading nations.
