West Liberty Foods L.L.C., a manufacturer of sliced deli meats and individually quick frozen products for both foodservice and retail private label, said it completed the installation of a Hiperbaric High Pressure Pasteurization System (HPP) in its Mount Pleasant, Iowa facility. An 8,400-square-foot expansion is being added to the Tremonton, Utah, facility to accommodate the high-pressure pasteurization system that will be installed there next month.

High-pressure pasteurization is a non‐thermal process that provides enhanced food safety and a longer shelf life of products while reducing dependence on preservatives, the West Liberty, Iowa-based company explained. This process uses water under very high hydrostatic pressure to destroy harmful food bacteria while maintaining fresh food characteristics such as flavor, nutrients and nutritional value.

“With the addition of the high-pressure pasteurization to our facilities, it will enable us to enhance the offerings to our customers,” said Ed Garrett, president and CEO of West Liberty Foods. “Customer focus is one of our main priorities, and through this system we are able to offer a clean label product without compromising ingredients, taste or food safety.”

West Liberty Foods said it has a strong history of dedication to food safety. In 2010 the company received a Clean Room Food Processing Systems, Methods, and Structures patent for its manufacturing facilities, and with the addition of high-pressure pasteurization, the company offers an added level of enhanced service and value to its customers.

“Installation of the high-pressure pasteurization process at West Liberty Foods is yet another innovative use of technology that allows us to deliver on our commitment to the production of food safe products that protect our customers’ brands,” says Gerald Lessard, vice president and chief operations officer for West Liberty Foods.