Process for pasteurizing a food product, pasteurized food product and powder or flour thereof

Abstract

A process for pasteurizing a product having an initial load of at least one pathogenic agent. Said process comprises contacting an aqueous solution comprising peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide with the product to obtain a mixture and contacting the mixture with at least a first flow of steam and hot air at a temperature of between about 200°F and about 270°F, to obtain a pasteurized product which is depleted in moisture, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide.

Description

PROCESS FOR PASTEURIZING A FOOD PRODUCT, PASTEURIZED FOOD PRODUCT AND POWDER OR FLOUR THEREOFCross Reference to related application

[0001] This application claims priority to US Provisional Application No.: 63 / 752,012 filed on January 31, 2025, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.Field of the technology

[0002] The technology relates to a process for pasteurizing a food product; a pasteurized food product so obtained; and a powder or flour obtained from said pasteurized food product.Introduction

[0003] Seeds, spices and herbs (or parts or fragments of said seeds, spices and herbs) are often used as Ready to Eat. Microbial safety is a primary concern in the processing of dry foods such as whole seeds, spices and herbs or parts or fragments of said seeds, spices and herbs, which are vulnerable to contamination by one or several pathogenic agents. An example of said one or several pathogenic agents may comprise pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli. However, drying and pasteurization of food products is a challenge for persons skilled in the art. More particularly, the challenge in treating low-moisture foods lies in effectively reducing microbial loads without compromising sensory and chemical qualities, which are crucial for consumer acceptance.Background

[0034] Traditional methods, which rely on high-temperature processes, often negatively impact these quality metrics. To address this, non-thermal pasteurization methods, such as Applicant’s Neo-Pure™ system which is described in W02020 / 107112, have been developed, offering an alternative that maintains sensory characteristics by avoiding high heat. However, such methods alone may not alwaysachieve the stringent microbial reduction levels required, and cannot allow to sanitize seeds, spices or herbs with high total plate count (TPC) requirements.

[0005] Hurdle technology combines multiple preservation techniques to create a robust microbial inactivation effect, allowing each individual treatment to operate at lower intensities, which preserves the product’s sensory attributes. Although specific literature on combining steam with non-thermal methods is scarce, substantial research on steam alone or with other mild processing techniques have been tried.

[0006] The following literature review will discuss about the use of steam alone or as a hurdle technology with sanitizer-based processes for dry foods, particularly spices and herbs (or food contact surfaces).

[0007] Steam is globally recognized as a reliable and safe method for reducing bacterial contamination in low water activity foods. The heat capacity of steam is much higher than that of water at the same temperature. The efficacy of steam is due to the mass amount of heat transferred to the surface of food when the steam condenses, leading to rapid increases in external temperatures (see James, C., Goksoy, E.O., Corry, J.E.L., James, S.J., 2000. Surface pasteurisation of poultry meat using steam at atmospheric pressure. Journal of Food Engineering 45, 111-117).

[0008] In addition, gas molecules are much smaller than bacteria. Therefore, steam can penetrate any cavity or crevice large enough to hide a bacterium (See: Morgan, A.I., Goldberg, N., Radewonuk, E.R., Scullen, O.J., 1996. Surface Pasteurization of Raw Poultry Meat by Steam. LWT - Food Science and Technology 29, 447-451 ).

[0009] Building on this foundational understanding, several studies have evaluated the efficacy of steam pasteurization across different food matrices and conditions.

[0010] Chang et al. (See: Chang, S.-S., Han, A. r., Reyes-De-Corcuera, J. i., Powers, J. r., Kang, D.-H., 2010. Evaluation of steam pasteurization in controlling Salmonella serotype Enteritidis on raw almond surfaces. Letters in Applied Microbiology 50, 393-398) investigated the efficacy of steam pasteurization inreducing Salmonella serotype Enteritidis on the surface of raw almonds, which has implications for microbial reduction in various foods, including spices. The study used a custom vertical steam pasteurization machine to treat almond samples inoculated with Salmonella Enteritidis to 107-8CFU / g. Steam treatments were applied at various intervals, showing that a 5-log reduction in Salmonella was achieved after 25 seconds of steam exposure, with continued reductions at longer durations. However, treatments over 35 seconds resulted in visible quality degradation, including skin wrinkling and discoloration. This study underscores the potential of steam pasteurization as a chemical-free, effective microbial reduction method, particularly suited to foods with low moisture content like spices, provided treatment durations are optimized to avoid quality loss.

[0011] Lee et al. (See: Lee, S.-Y., Oh, S.-W., Chung, H.-J., Reyes-De-Corcuera, J. I., Powers, J.R., Kang, D.-H., 2006. Reduction of Salmonella enterica Serovar Enteritidis on the Surface of Raw Shelled Almonds by Exposure to Steam. Journal of Food Protection 69, 591-595) evaluated steam treatment's effectiveness in reducing Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis on two almond cultivars, ‘Nonpareil’ and ‘Mission’. They found that steam at 93°C effectively reduced Salmonella populations, with greater reductions observed as treatment time increased. After 65 seconds, reductions reached 5.7-5.8 log for ‘Nonpareil’ and 4.0-4.1 log for ‘Mission’, suggesting that the ‘Mission’ variety was more resistant to steam treatment. The study highlighted cultivar-specific differences, with ‘Nonpareil’ showing a faster reduction rate (D-value of 12.22 seconds) compared to ‘Mission’ (D-value of 16.13 seconds). However, prolonged steam exposure could raise almond moisture content, which may imact shelf life and product quality, making a 35-second treatment optimal for balancing microbial reduction with product integrity.

[0012] Ban et al. (See: Ban, G.-H., Yoon, H., Kang, D.-H., 2014. A comparison of saturated steam and superheated steam for inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes biofilms on polyvinyl chloride and stainless steel. Food Control 40, 344-350) explored the effectiveness of both saturated steam (SS) and superheated steam (SHS) in inactivating Escherichia coli0157, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes biofilms on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and stainless-steel surfaces. The study found that while SS at 100°C significantly reduced biofilm populations, SHS at higher temperatures (125°C - 200°C) achieved greater reductions, reaching levels below the detection limit within 10 to 30 seconds, depending on the surface and pathogen. Notably, SHS provided up to 2.23 log reductions over SS, with Salmonella showing higher sensitivity than the other pathogens. These results suggest that SHS offers an efficient, chemical-free approach for sanitizing surfaces in food processing, particularly given its rapid inactivation of resilient biofilms on various materials

[0013] Almela et al. (Almela, L., Nieto-Sandoval, J.M., Fernandez Lopez, J.A., 2002. Microbial Inactivation of Paprika by a High-Temperature Short-X Time Treatment. Influence on Color Properties. J. Agric. Food Chem. 50, 1435-1440) investigated high-temperature short-time (HTST) treatments for microbial inactivation in paprika. Using a customized device, they exposed paprika to temperatures between 130°C and 170°C, finding that a 145°C treatment at 1.5 kg / cm2pressure for 6 seconds with saturated steam achieved nearly complete microbial inactivation, reducing total microbial counts below 2 x 104CFU / g. The treatment effectively eliminated Enterobacteriaceae, coliforms, and sulfite-reducing Clostridia, while molds and yeasts were significantly reduced. Although HTST treatment preserved the essential color quality of paprika, it resulted in slight degradation (5% - 12% color loss), underscoring the importance of refrigerated storage post-treatment to maintain both microbial stability and visual quality. This method presents a viable alternative to ethylene oxide fumigation, which is increasingly restricted due to safety concerns.

[0014] Steam pasteurization in the low-moisture food industry primarily uses two approaches: wet and dry steam. Dry methods, especially saturated steam, are favored as they limit moisture absorption by precisely controlling process conditions to prevent condensation (See: Leistritz, W., 1997. Methods of Bacterial Reduction in Spices, in: Spices, ACS Symposium Series. American Chemical Society, pp. 7-10). This controlled environment enables effective pathogen reduction without compromising the food’s physical properties. Several commercial Controlled Condensation Steam (CCS)systems have been developed for low-moisture food pasteurization, operating at different pressures (elevated, atmospheric, or vacuum) while maintaining temperatures close to the saturation point to regulate condensation. Key CCS principles include reducing steam use through supplemental heating and removing excess moisture using flash cooling or cold, dry air. These systems achieve microbial inactivation through optimized combinations of pressure, time, and temperature, with pressurized methods (e.g., Ventilex®) showing efficacy in high-temperature, short-time (HTST) processes, such as 130-170 °C for 4-6 seconds, effective for pathogens like those on paprika (See: Almela, L., Nieto-Sandoval, J.M., Fernandez Lopez, J. A., 2002. Microbial Inactivation of Paprika by a High-Temperature Short-X Time Treatment. Influence on Color Properties. J. Agric. Food Chem. 50, 1435-1440).

[0015] High temperatures can impact the flavor, aroma, color, and volatile oils of sensitive foods like spices (See: Schweiggert, U., Carle, R., Schieber, A., 2007. Conventional and alternative processes for spice production - a review. Trends in Food Science & Technology 18, 260-268). As a solution, some CCS processes operate under vacuum to allow pasteurization at lower temperatures, preserving sensory and nutritional qualities (See: Ivarsson, C., 2011. Nut pasteurization Minimising impact on appearance, colour, and flavour. AGRO FOOD INDUSTRY HITECH 22, 22-24). For example, systems such as Napasol®, Steripure®, and Log5® employ vacuum conditions to lower the saturation vapor pressure, enabling treatment below 100°C while still using saturated steam. These processes begin by evacuating air with a high vacuum, then injecting steam, followed by another vacuum to remove residual moisture. For instance, a 4-minute treatment at 88°C in the Napasol® system achieved a 4-log CFU / g reduction of Enterococcus faecium in pistachios (See: Ivarsson, C., 2011. Nut pasteurization Minimising impact on appearance, colour, and flavour. AGRO FOOD INDUSTRY HI-TECH 22, 22-24.). Similarly, Steripure® technology, using vacuum-steam-vacuum cycles, demonstrated over 5-log reductions of Salmonella PT 30 and E. coli 0157 in products like flaxseed and black peppercorns (See: Shah, M.K., Asa, G., Sherwood, J., Graber, K., Bergholz, T.M., 2017. Efficacy of vacuum steam pasteurization for inactivation of Salmonella PT 30, Escherichia coliO157:H7 and Enterococcus faecium on low moisture foods. International Journal of Food Microbiology 244, 111-118).

[0016] Uniform steam exposure is crucial in CCS processes for low-moisture foods, often achieved with vibrators, screw conveyors, or fluidized beds. In systems like Revtech®, Safesteril®, and Steristep®, steam is introduced alongside supplemental heating to control condensation, providing minimal moisture absorption. Revtech® technology, for example, uses an electrically heated, vibrating spiral tube to ensure even heat distribution, followed by steam injection and cooling with dry air (See: Grasso, E.M., Stam, C.N., Anderson, N.M., Krishnamurthy, K., 2014. Heat and Steam Treatments, in: Gurtler, J.B., Doyle, M.P., Kornacki, J.L. (Eds.), The Microbiological Safety of Low Water Activity Foods and Spices. Springer, New York, NY, pp. 403-424). This approach has achieved up to 5-log reductions in aerobic mesophilic bacteria in products such as black pepper and cumin. Safesteril® uses an induction-heated screw conveyor to limit moisture absorption, achieving 1-5 log reductions depending on the product and microbial load. Additionally, Safesteril® technology has demonstrated a 7-log CFU / g reduction of Enterococcus faecium on sunflower seeds (See: Grasso, E.M., Stam, C.N., Anderson, N.M., Krishnamurthy, K., 2014. Heat and Steam Treatments, in: Gurtler, J.B., Doyle, M.P., Kornacki, J.L. (Eds.), The Microbiological Safety of Low Water Activity Foods and Spices. Springer, New York, NY, pp. 403-424). Steristep® uses vibrating conveyors to ensure consistent heating and microbial inactivation ( Grasso, E.M., Stam, C.N., Anderson, N.M., Krishnamurthy, K., 2014. Heat and Steam Treatments, in: Gurtler, J.B., Doyle, M.P., Kornacki, J.L. (Eds.), The Microbiological Safety of Low Water Activity Foods and Spices. Springer, New York, NY, pp. 403-424).

[0017] For spices, the Torbed® system utilizes high-velocity hot air to create a steam-air environment in a shallow fluidized bed, achieving effective pasteurization while controlling moisture loss, though the treated product may become slightly hygroscopic ( See: Grasso, E.M., Stam, C.N., Anderson, N.M., Krishnamurthy, K., 2014. Heat and Steam Treatments, in: Gurtler, J.B., Doyle, M.P., Kornacki, J.L. (Eds.), The Microbiological Safety of Low Water Activity Foods and Spices. Springer, NewYork, NY, pp. 403-424). Dry steam technologies like superheated steam (SHS), where steam is heated beyond saturation temperature, offer another method for pasteurization. SHS at 200°C for 15-30 seconds has achieved over 5-log reductions of Salmonella, E. coli 0157, and Listeria monocytogenes on almonds and pistachios (See: an, G.-H., Yoon, H., Kang, D.-H., 2014. A comparison of saturated steam and superheated steam for inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes biofilms on polyvinyl chloride and stainless steel. Food Control 40, 344-350).

[0018] Several Studies have explored various hurdle approaches that combine sanitizers with heat, such as chlorine and moist heat (See: Lee, S.-H., Frank, J.F., 1991. Inactivation of Surface-adherent Listeria monocytogenes Hypochlorite and Heat. Journal of Food Protection 54, 4-7; Masuku, S.M., Babu, D., Martin, E.M., O’Bryan, C.A., Crandall, P.G., Rieke, S.C., 2014. Lethality of moist heat and silver dihydrogen citrate sanitizer combinations on Listeria spp. adhered to components of a deli meat slicer. Food Control 44, 227-232) or steam (See: Ban, G.-H., Park, S.-H., Kim, S.-O., Ryu, S., Kang, D.-H., 2012. Synergistic effect of steam and lactic acid against Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes biofilms on polyvinyl chloride and stainless steel. International Journal of Food Microbiology 157, 218-223), to combat Listeria monocytogenes on stainless-steel (SS) surfaces. For instance, a 30-second exposure to 50 ppm chlorine followed by a 30-second heating at 65°C resulted in a 4.8 log CFU / cm2reduction of L monocytogenes, starting from approximately 5.0 log CFU / cm2(See: Lee, S.-H., Frank, J.F., 1991. Inactivation of Surface-adherent Listeria monocytogenes Hypochlorite and Heat. Journal of Food Protection 54, 4-7). Additionally, steam combined with lactic acid (See: Ban, G.-H., Park, S.-H., Kim, S.-O., Ryu, S., Kang, D.-H., 2012. Synergistic effect of steam and lactic acid against Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes biofilms on polyvinyl chloride and stainless steel. International Journal of Food Microbiology 157, 218-223) or other sanitizers like chlorine, benzalkonium chloride, and hydrogen peroxide (See: Ban, G.-H., Kang, D.-H., 2016. Effect of sanitizer combined with steam heating on the inactivation of foodborne pathogens in a biofilm on stainless steel. Food Microbiology 55, 47-54) hasproven effective in enhancing biofilm removal on SS. For example, a 30-second hydrogen peroxide treatment (2%) followed by a 10-second exposure to saturated steam achieved approximately a 4 log CFU reduction, compared to < 2 log CFU reductions by steam or hydrogen peroxide alone.

[0019] Building on this concept, Hua and Zhu (See: Hua, Z., Zhu, M.-J., 2024. Innovative Hurdle Strategies for Listeria Control on Food-Contact Surfaces: A Peroxyacetic Acid-Steam Approach. Foods 13, 2481) demonstrated that combining peroxyacetic acid (PAA) with brief steam treatment significantly reduced L innocua (a surrogate for L monocytogenes) on various surfaces. Their study achieved >6 log CFU reductions on SS and polyester (PET) and ~5 log CFU on rubber with PAA (40 ppm) followed by 6 seconds of steam at 100°C. However, the presence of organic matter, such as apple juice residue, and surface abrasions reduced the treatment’s effectiveness, though it still achieved reductions of >5 log CFU on SS and PET and ~4.5 log CFU on rubber. Murphy et al. (See: Murphy, R.Y., Hanson, R.E., Johnson, N.R., Chappa, K., Berrang, M.E., 2006. Combining Organic Acid Treatment with Steam Pasteurization To Eliminate Listeria monocytogenes on Fully Cooked Frankfurters. Journal of Food Protection 69, 47-52. https: / / doi.org / 10.4315 / 0362-028X-69.1.47) further demonstrated the utility of organic acid-steam combinations in a meat context, where frankfurters treated with a blend of acetic, lactic, propionic, and benzoic acids and followed by 1.5 seconds of 114°C steam achieved a 3-log reduction in L monocytogenes. The combined treatment also suppressed pathogen regrowth during extended storage, maintaining low counts over 19 weeks at 4°C and 14 weeks at 7°C. These studies underscore the potential of combining steam with various sanitizers as a powerful hurdle approach to control Listeria biofilms on food-contact.

[0020] Several Studies have explored various hurdle approaches that combine sanitizers with heat, such as chlorine and moist heat (Lee and Frank, 1991; Masuku et al., 2014) or steam (Ban, G.-H., Park, S.-H., Kim, S.-O., Ryu, S., Kang, D.-H., 2012. Synergistic effect of steam and lactic acid against Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes biofilms on polyvinyl chloride and stainless steel. International Journal of Food Microbiology 157, 218-223, and Ban,G.-H., Kang, D.-H., 2016. Effect of sanitizer combined with steam heating on the inactivation of foodborne pathogens in a biofilm on stainless steel. Food Microbiology 55, 47-54), to combat Listeria monocytogenes on stainless-steel (SS) surfaces. For instance, a 30-second exposure to 50 ppm chlorine followed by a 30-second heating at 65°C resulted in a 4.8 log CFU / cm2reduction of L monocytogenes, starting from approximately 5.0 log CFU / cm2(See: Lee, S.-H., Frank, J.F., 1991. Inactivation of Surface-adherent Listeria monocytogenes Hypochlorite and Heat. Journal of Food Protection 54, 4-7). Additionally, steam combined with lactic acid (See: Ban, G.-H., Park, S.-H., Kim, S.-O., Ryu, S., Kang, D.-H., 2012. Synergistic effect of steam and lactic acid against Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes biofilms on polyvinyl chloride and stainless steel. International Journal of Food Microbiology 157, 218-223) or other sanitizers like chlorine, benzalkonium chloride, and hydrogen peroxide (Ban, G.-H., Kang, D.-H., 2016. Effect of sanitizer combined with steam heating on the inactivation of foodborne pathogens in a biofilm on stainless steel. Food Microbiology 55, 47-54) has proven effective in enhancing biofilm removal on SS. For example, a 30-second hydrogen peroxide treatment (2%) followed by a 10-second exposure to saturated steam achieved approximately a 4 log CFU reduction, compared to <2 log CFU reductions by steam or hydrogen peroxide alone.

[0021] Building on this concept, Hua and Zhu (See: Hua, Z., Zhu, M.-J., 2024. Innovative Hurdle Strategies for Listeria Control on Food-Contact Surfaces: A Peroxyacetic Acid-Steam Approach. Foods 13, 2481) demonstrated that combining peroxyacetic acid (PAA) with brief steam treatment significantly reduced L innocua (a surrogate for L monocytogenes) on various surfaces. Their study achieved > 6 log CFU reductions on SS and polyester (PET) and ~5 log CFU on rubber with PAA (40 ppm) followed by 6 seconds of steam at 100°C.

[0022] However, the presence of organic matter, such as apple juice residue, and surface abrasions reduced the treatment’s effectiveness, though it still achieved reductions of >5 log CFU on SS and PET and ~4.5 log CFU on rubber. Murphy et al. (See: Murphy, R.Y., Hanson, R.E., Johnson, N.R., Chappa, K., Berrang, M.E., 2006. Combining Organic Acid Treatment with Steam Pasteurization To Eliminate Listeriamonocytogenes on Fully Cooked Frankfurters. Journal of Food Protection 69, 47-52) further demonstrated the utility of organic acid-steam combinations in a meat context, where frankfurters treated with a blend of acetic, lactic, propionic, and benzoic acids and followed by 1.5 seconds of 114°C steam achieved a 3-log reduction in L monocytogenes.

[0023] The combined treatment also suppressed pathogen regrowth during extended storage, maintaining low counts over 19 weeks at 4°C and 14 weeks at 7°C. These studies underscore the potential of combining steam with various sanitizers as a powerful hurdle approach to control Listeria biofilms on food-contact.

[0024] Aforementioned documents fail to provide an efficient process allowing to dry and pasteurize food product without negatively affecting the properties of said food product. Therefore, there is still a strong need for a process allowing to dry and pasteurize a food product without negatively affecting properties of said food product, more particularly to achieve higher efficacy thresholds and general micro reductions without negatively effecting sensory metrics, and also reduce the moisture content loss and the volatile oil loss.Summary

[0025] Food products selected from the group consisting of vegetables, whole seeds, whole spices, whole herbs, parts of seeds, parts of spices, parts of herbs, fragments of seeds, fragments of spices, fragments of herbs, and mixtures thereof are often used as Ready to Eat, which comes with the challenging requirement of pasteurizing and drying said food products.

[0026] The Applicant has now surprisingly discovered that it is possible to dry and pasteurize a food product (e.g. seeds, spices, herbs or fragments or parts thereof) without negatively affecting properties of said food product.

[0027] Also, the Applicant has surprisingly discovered that it is now possible to achieve higher efficacy thresholds and general micro reductions without negatively effecting sensory metrics.

[0028] Also, the Applicant has surprisingly discovered that it is now possible to also reduce the moisture content loss and the volatile oil loss.

[0029] The premise of this idea is to incorporate steam as a hurdle technology into the Neo-Pure™ system (see W02020 / 107112). This will allow the process to achieve higher efficacy thresholds and general micro reductions without negatively effecting sensory metrics. This new process will also reduce the moisture content loss and the volatile oil loss.

[0030] Also, the Applicant surprisingly discovered that according to the present technology the addition of steam allows to improve the efficacity log rates reduction of pathogenic bacteria, yeast, and mold as well as total plate count, without compromising on the yield, quality and final weight of the treated food.

[0031] Various aspects of the technology are described hereinafter with reference to the following embodiments / aspects.1. A process for pasteurizing a product A having an initial load of at least one pathogenic agent, wherein the product A is selected from the group consisting of whole seeds, whole spices, whole herbs, parts of seeds, parts of spices, parts of herbs, fragments of seeds, fragments of spices, fragments of herbs, and mixtures thereof, and wherein said process comprises the steps of:(a) contacting an aqueous solution comprising peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide with the product A for a mixing time varying from 20 seconds to 240 seconds, to obtain a mixture M of said aqueous solution and the product A;(b) performing the following sequence of steps:(b1) transferring the mixture M obtained from step (a) in a first fluidized bed dryer via an inlet of the first fluidized bed dryer, said first fluidized bed dryer being provided with a grid in fluid communication with the inlet and an outlet ofthe first fluidized bed dryer and allowing the mixture M to flow from the inlet to the outlet of the first fluidized bed dryer;(c1) flowing for a period of time varying from 1 minute to 10 minutes, the mixture M from the inlet to the outlet of the first fluidized bed dryer; and contacting said mixture M with either a flow of steam and hot air passing trough at least a portion of the grid of the first fluidized bed dryer or successively with a flow of hot air and then with a flow of steam and hot air passing trough at least a portion of the grid of the first fluidized bed dryer, to maintain a temperature of the mixture M from 200°F to 270°F and obtain a pasteurized product B which is depleted in moisture, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide; and (d1) optionally transferring the pasteurized product B obtained from step (c1) in a second fluidized bed dryer, said second fluidized bed dryer being provided with a grid, an inlet and an outlet, said grid being in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet of the second fluidized bed dryer and allowing the pasteurized product B to flow from the inlet to the outlet of the second fluidized bed dryer, and contacting said pasteurized product B with a flow of ambient air passing through at least a portion of the grid of the second fluidized bed dryer, for cooling the pasteurized product B and obtaining a cooled and pasteurized product B’; or performing the following sequences of steps:(b2) transferring the mixture M obtained from step (a) in a third fluidized bed dryer via an inlet of the third fluidized bed dryer, said third fluidized bed dryer being provided with agrid, an inlet and an outlet, said grid being in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet of the third fluidized bed dryer and allowing the mixture M to flow from the inlet to the outlet of the third fluidized bed dryer;(c2) flowing on the grid of the third fluidized bed dryer for a period of time varying from 1 minute to 10 minutes, the mixture M from the inlet toward the outlet of the third fluidized bed dryer; and(c2.1) contacting said mixture M with a flow of steam and hot air passing trough at least a portion of the grid of the third fluidized bed dryer,to maintain a temperature of the mixture M from 200°F to 270°F and obtain a pasteurized product B1 which is depleted in moisture, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide;(c2.2) successively performing the steps of contacting said mixture M with a flow of hot air passing through at least a first portion of the grid of the third fluidized bed dryer, to obtain a mixture M1 of the aqueous solution and the product A which is at least depleted in moisture, andcontacting said mixture M1 with a flow of steam and hot air passing trough at least a second portion of the grid of the third fluidized bed dryer, downsteam the first portion of the grid of the third fluidized bed dryer,to maintain a temperature of the mixtures M and M1 from 200°F to 270°F and obtain a pasteurizedproduct B2 which is depleted in moisture, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide;(c2.3) successively performing the steps ofcontacting said mixture M with a flow of hot air passing through at least a first portion of the grid of the third fluidized bed dryer, to obtain a mixture M2 of the aqueous solution and the product A which is at least depleted in moisture,contacting said mixture M2 with a flow of steam and hot air passing trough at least a second portion of the grid of the third fluidized bed dryer, downsteam the first portion of the grid of the third fluidized bed dryer, to obtain a mixture M3, which is at least depleted in peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, andcontacting the mixture M3 with a second flow of hot air passing through a third portion of the grid of the third fluidized bed dryer, downstream the second portion of the grid of the third fluidized bed dryer, to maintain a temperature of the mixtures M, M2 and M3 from 200°F to 270°F, to obtain a pasteurized product B3 which is depleted in moisture, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide; or (c2.4) successively performing the steps of:contacting said mixture M with a flow of steam and hot air passing trough at least a first portion of the grid of the third fluidized bed dryer, to obtain a mixture M4 of the aqueous solution and the productA which is at least depleted in peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, andcontacting the mixture M4 with a flow of hot air passing through a second portion of the grid of the third fluidized bed dryer downstream the first portion of the grid of the third fluidized bed dryer, to maintain a temperature of the mixture M and M4 from 200°F to 270°F, to obtain a pasteurized product B4 depleted in moisture, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide; and(d2) optionally contacting the pasteurized product B1, B2, B3 or B4 with a flow of ambient air passing through a remaining portion of the grid of the third fluidized bed dryer, close the outlet the third fluidized bed dryer, for cooling the pasteurized product B1, B2, B3 or B4 and obtaining the cooled and pasteurized product BT, B2’, B3’ or B4’; and(e) recovering from step (c), (c1), (c2), (c3) or (c4) the pasteurized product B, B1, B2, B3 or B4, or from step (d 1 ) or (d2), the cooled and pasteurized product B’, BT, B2’, B3’ or B4’ , having• a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15%, and• a cfu / g of 500k / g or less.A process for pasteurizing a product A having an initial load of at least one pathogenic agent, wherein the product A is selected from the group consisting of whole seeds, whole spices, whole herbs, parts of seeds, parts of spices, parts of herbs, fragments of seeds, fragments of spices, fragments of herbs, and mixtures thereof, and wherein said process comprises the steps of:(a) contacting an aqueous solution comprising peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide with the product A for a mixing time varying from 20 seconds to 240 seconds, in to obtain a mixture M of said aqueous solution and the product A;(b1) transferring the mixture M obtained from step (a) in a first fluidized bed dryer via an inlet of the first fluidized bed, said first fluidized bed dryer being provided with a grid in fluid communication with the inlet and an outlet of the first fluidized bed dryer and allowing to flow the mixture M from the inlet to the outlet of the first fluidized bed dryer;(c1) flowing for a period of time varying from 1 minute to 10 minutes, the mixture M from the inlet to the outlet of the first fluidized bed dryer; and contacting said mixture M with a flow of either a flow of steam and hot air passing trough at least a portion of the grid of the first fluidized bed dryer or successively with a flow of hot air and then with a flow of steam and hot air, passing trough at least a portion of the grid of the first fluidized bed dryer,to maintain a temperature of the mixture M from 200°F to 270°F and obtain a pasteurized product B which is depleted in moisture, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide; and(d1) optionally transferring the pasteurized product B in a second fluidized bed dryer, said second fluidized bed dryer being provided with a grid, an inlet and an outlet, said grid being in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet of the second fluidized bed dryer and allowing the pasteurized product B to flow from the inlet to the outlet of the second fluidized bed dryer, and contacting said pasteurized product B with a flow of ambient air passing through at least a portion of the grid of the second fluidized beddryer, for cooling the pasteurized product B and obtaining a cooled and pasteurized product B’;(e) recovering from step (c1) the pasteurized product B or from step (d1) the cooled and pasteurized product B’, having• a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15%, and• a cfu / g of 500k / g or less.The process according to embodiment 2, wherein the step (a), the step (b1), the step (c1), the optional step (d1) and the step (e) are batch steps or a continuous steps.The process according to embodiment 2 or 3, comprising the step (d1) for the contacting of the pasteurized product B with the flow of ambient air passing through a portion of the grid of the second fluidized bed dryer, for cooling the pasteurized product B and obtaining the cooled and pasteurized product B’.The process according to embodiment 4, wherein the flow of ambient air is generated by a blower, said flow of ambient air originating from a source of ambient air and being optionally passed through a filter before passing through the grid of the second fluidized bed dryer.The process according to any one of embodiments 2 to 5, wherein the pasteurized product B or the cooled and pasteurized product B’ is substantially free of the peracetic acid and / or the hydrogen peroxide. The process according to any one of embodiments 2 to 6, wherein in step (c) the flow of steam and hot air is a mixture of hot air saturated with steam.The process according to embodiment 7, wherein the flow of steam and hot air is generated by a blower combining a flow of steam originatingfrom a source of steam, and a flow of hot air originating from a source of hot air.The process according to any one of embodiments 2 to 8, wherein step (a) comprises the steps of spraying the aqueous solution against the product A, and mixing together the product A and the aqueous solution. The process according to embodiment 9, wherein the mixing of the product A and the aqueous solution is carried out in mixing drum.The process according to embodiment 9, wherein the mixing of the product A and the aqueous solution is carried out in a continuous mixer. The process according to any one of embodiments 2 to 11, wherein the aqueous solution comprises with respect to a total weight of the aqueous solution:(i) from 0.1 wt.-% to 0.8 wt.-% of peracetic acid;(ii) from 0.5 wt.-% to 4.0 wt.-% of hydrogen peroxide; and (iii) remain of the aqueous solution comprises water.The process according to embodiment 12, wherein the aqueous solution further comprises:acetic acid,sulfuric acid, and / orat least one additive.The process according to any one of embodiment 1 to 13, wherein the aqueous solution further comprises at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of glycol ether, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol and alcohol of formula ROH wherein R is selected from the group consisting of linear Ci-Ce alkyl and branched C3-C6 alkyl;The method according to embodiment 14, wherein said at least one solvent represents from 1 to 40 wt.-% of the total weight of the aqueous solution.The process according to any one of embodiments 2 to 15, wherein the aqueous solution is contacted with the product A at a rate of 25 to 400 liters of the aqueous solution per metric ton of the product A.The process according to any one of embodiments 2 to 16, wherein step (b) is carried out manually or with least one device selected from the group consisting of chutes and conveyor belts.The process according to embodiment 17, wherein the at least one device of step (b) is a chute.The process according to any one of embodiments 2 to 18, wherein the flow of hot air is about 500CFM.The process according to any one of embodiments 2 to 19, wherein the flow of ambient air is about 500CFM.The process according to any one of embodiments 2 to 20, wherein the mixture of steam and hot air comprises:5 % to 95% steam; and95% to 5 % hot air.The process according to embodiment 21 , wherein the mixture of steam and hot air comprises 95 % steam and 5 % hot air.The process according to any one of embodiments 2 to 21, wherein the flow of the mixture of hot air and steam is about 500CFM.The process according to any one of embodiments 2 to 21, wherein the mixture of steam and hot air is feed to the fluidized bed dryer at a rate of 517.5 Ibs / hr to 1,380 Ibs / hr steam.The process according to any one of claims 2 to 21, wherein the amount of steam is between 400 Ibs / h to 700 Ibs / hr.The process according to any one of embodiments 2 to 25, wherein said process further comprises at least one step for performing concomitantly with step (a) at least one ofa UV treatment,an ozone treatment,an activated water treatment,a hydroxyl radical treatment, and a ultrasonic treatment.The process according to any one of embodiments 2 to 26, wherein the at least one pathogenic agent is selected from the group consisting of a bacteria, a fungi, a yeasts and a mold.The process according to any one of embodiments 2 to 26, wherein the at least one pathogenic agent is a bacteria.The process according to embodiment 28, wherein the bacteria is selected from the group consisting of Salmonella ssp., E.coli spp., Listeria spp., Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens, Staphylococcus aureus, and E.faecium.The process according to embodiment 28, wherein the bacteria is selected from the group consisting of Salmonella ssp, Listeria ssp E. Coli ssp and E. faecium.The process according to any one of embodiments 2 to 28, wherein the at least one pathogenic agent is a fungi.The process according to embodiment 31, wherein the fungi is selected from the group consisting of Albugo spp., Alternaria spp., Armillaria spp., Aspergillus spp., Athelia spp., Bipolaris spp., Botryosphaeria spp., Botryotinia spp., Botrytis spp., Bremia spp., Capnodium spp., Ceratobasidium spp., Ceratocystis spp., Cercospora spp., Choanephora spp., Claviceps spp., Corynespora spp., Cronartium spp., Cryphonectria spp., Cylindrocladium spp., Cytospora spp., Diaporthe spp., Diplodia spp., Dreschlera spp., Elsinoe spp., Erexohilum spp., Erysiphe spp., Eutypha spp., Exobasidium spp., Fusarium spp., Gaeumannomyces spp., Gliocladium spp., Gymnosporangium spp., Heterobasidium spp., Hypoxylon spp., Kutilakesa spp., Lophiodermium spp., Magnaporthe spp., Melampsora spp., Monilinia spp., Mycosphaerella spp., Myrothecia spp., Nectriella spp., Nematospora spp., OTdium spp., Olpidium spp., Ophiostoma spp., Penicillium spp., Peronospora spp., Phakospora spp., Phoma spp., Phomopsis spp., Phragmidium spp., Phyllactinia spp., Physoderma spp., Phytophthora spp., Plasmodiophora spp., Plasmopara spp., Pseudoperonospora spp., Puccinia spp., Pythium spp., Rhizoctonia spp., Rhizopus spp., Rhytisma spp., Sclerotinia spp., Sclerotium spp., Spongospora spp., Synchytrium spp., Taphrina spp., Thanatephorus spp., Thielaviopsis spp., Tilletia spp., Uncinula spp., Urocystis spp., Ustilago spp., Valsa spp., Venturia spp., Verticillium spp., and Xylaria spp.).The process according to any one of embodiments 2 to 28, wherein the at least one pathogenic agent is a yeast.The process according to any one of embodiments 2 to 28, wherein the at least one pathogenic agent is a mold.The process according to any one of embodiments 2 to 34, wherein the seeds are selected from the group consisting of cereals, pseudocereals, nuts, nut-like gymnosperm seeds, beans, seeds for sprouting, seed spices, seeds of crops transplantable from greenhouse to field.The process according to any one of embodiments 2 to 34, wherein the seeds are selected from the group consisting of seeds of grass, maize, wheat and rice.The process according to any one of embodiments 2 to 34, wherein the seeds are selected from the group consisting of seeds of barley, fonio, maize (com), pearl millet, oats, palmer's grass, rice, rye, sorghum, spelt, teff, triticale, wheat and wild rice.The process according to any one of embodiments 2 to 34, wherein the seeds are selected from the group consisting of seeds of breadnut, buckwheat, cattail, chia, flax, grain amaranth, kaniwa, pitseed goosefoot, quinoa and wattleseed (also called acacia seed).The process according to any one of embodiments 2 to 34, wherein the seeds are nuts selected from the group consisting of almonds, coconuts, peanuts and cashews.The process according to any one of embodiments 2 to 34, wherein the seeds are nuts selected from the group consisting of almond, beech, brazil nut, candlenut, cashew, chestnuts coconut, colocynth, Cucurbita ficifolia, filbert, Gevuina avellana, hickory Terminalia catappa, hazelnut, Indian beech, kola nut, macadamia, Malabar chestnut, pistacia, mamoncillo, maya nut, mongongo, oak acorns, ogbono nut, paradise nut, pili nut, walnut and water caltrop.The process according to any one of embodiments 2 to 34, wherein the seeds are nut-like gymnosperm seeds selected from the group consisting of cycads, ginkgo, Gnetum gnemon, juniper, monkey-puzzle, pine nuts, and podocarps.The process according to any one of embodiments 2 to 34, wherein the seeds are selected from the group consisting of seeds of cempedak, coffee, egusi, euryale ferox (fox nut), fluted pumpkin, hemp seed,jackfruit, lotus seed, Malabar gourd, pumpkin seed, sunflower seed, sesame seed or Tahini.The process according to any one of embodiments 2 to 34, wherein the seeds are selected from the group consisting of seeds of bambara groundnut, chickpeas, cowpeas, dry beans, fava or broad beans, hyacinth bean, lablab, lentils, lupins, Moringa oleifera, peas, peanuts, pigeon peas, sterculia, velvet beans, winged beans, yam beans and soybeans.The process according to any one of embodiments 2 to 34, wherein the seeds are seeds for sprouting selected from the group consisting of alfalfa, clover, fenugreek, lentil, pea, chickpea, mung bean and soybean; oat, wheat, maize (com), rice, barley, rye, kamut, quinoa, amaranth and buckwheat; oilseeds, brassicas, crucifers, broccoli, cabbage, watercress, mustard, mizuna, radish, daikon (kaiware), rocket (arugula), tatsoi, turnip, carrot, celery, fennel, parsley; onion, leek, green onion, spinach, lettuce, milk thistle and lemon grass.The process according to any one of embodiments 2 to 34, wherein wherein the seeds are seed spices selected from the group consisting of ajwain, carom, alligator pepper, mbongo spice, mbongochobi pepper, hepper pepper, allspice, anise, aniseed myrtle, annatto, borage, black cardamom, black mustard, blue fenugreek, blue melilot, brown mustard, caraway, cardamom, celery seed, clove, coriander seed, cumin, dill seed, fennel, fenugreek, grains of paradise, grains of Selim or Kani pepper, juniper berry, kala zeera, kala jira, black cumin, kawakawa seeds, keluak, kluwak, kepayang, kikam seed, korarima, Ehiopian cardamom, false cardamom, mace, mahalab, Saint Lucie cherry, black mustard seed, brown mustard seed, white mustard seed, yellow mustard seed, nigella, kalonji, black caraway, black onion seed, njangsa, djansang, nutmeg, black pepper seed, green pepper seed, black pepperseed, white pepper seed, star anise, sumac, Szechuan pepper, Sichuan pepper, vanilla and wattleseed.The process according to any one of embodiments 2 to 34, wherein the seeds are seeds of crops transplantable from greenhouse to field and selected from the group consisting of basil, bell pepper, broccoflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cantaloupe, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, eggplant, head lettuce, honeydew, muskmelon, onion, radicchio, romaine lettuce, squash, tobacco, tomato and watermelon. The process according to any one of embodiments 2 to 34, wherein the product A is selected from the group consisting of basil, parsley, thyme, coriander, cilantro, marjoram, fennel, dill, cumin, chili, peppers, paprika, bay leaf, onion, garlic, ginger, nettle leaf, oregano, rosemary, spinach, clove, poppy seed, sage, savory, tarragon, turmeric, mustard and mint. The process according to any one of embodiments 2 to 34, wherein the product A is Egyptian basil.A process for pasteurizing a product A having an initial load of at least one pathogenic agent, wherein the product A is selected from the group consisting of whole seeds, whole spices, whole herbs, parts of seeds, parts of spices, parts of herbs, fragments of seeds, fragments of spices, fragments of herbs, and mixtures thereof, and wherein said process comprises the steps of:(a) contacting an aqueous solution comprising peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide with the product A for a mixing time varying from 20 seconds to 240 seconds, to obtain a mixture M of said aqueous solution and the product A;(b) transferring the mixture M obtained from step (a) in a fluidized bed dryer via an inlet of the fluidized bed dryer, said fluidized bed dryer being provided with a grid in fluid communication with theinlet and an outlet of the fluidized bed dryer and allowing the mixture M to flow from the inlet to the outlet of the fluidized bed dryer;(c) flowing on the grid for a period of time varying from 1 minute to 10 minutes, the mixture M from the inlet toward an outlet of the fluidized bed dryer; and(c1) contacting said mixture M with a flow of steam and hot air passing trough at least a portion of the grid, to maintain a temperature of the mixture M from 200°F to 270°F and obtain a pasteurized product B1 which is depleted in moisture, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide;(c2) successively performing the steps ofcontacting said mixture M with a flow of hot air passing through at least a first portion of the grid, to obtain a mixture M1 of the aqueous solution and the product A which is at least depleted in moisture, and contacting said mixture M1 with a flow of steam and hot air passing trough at least a second portion of the grid, downsteam the first portion of the grid,to maintain a temperature of the mixture M and M1 from 200°F to 270°F and obtain a pasteurized product B2 which is depleted in moisture, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide;(c3) successively performing the steps ofcontacting said mixture M with a flow of hot air passing through at least a first portion of the grid, to obtain amixture M2 of the aqueous solution and the product A which is at least depleted in moisture,contacting said mixture M2 with a flow of steam and hot air passing trough at least a second portion of the grid, downsteam the first portion of the grid, to obtain a mixture M3, which is at least depleted in peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, andcontacting the mixture M3 with a second flow of hot air passing through a third portion of the grid, downstream the second portion of the grid,to maintain a temperature of the mixtures M, M2 and M3 from 200°F to 270°F, to obtain a pasteurized product B3 which is depleted in moisture, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide; or(c4) successively performing the steps of:contacting said mixture M with a flow of steam and hot air passing trough at least a first portion of the grid, to obtain a mixture M4 of the aqueous solution and the product A which is at least depleted in peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, andcontacting the mixture M4 with a flow of hot air passing through a second portion of the grid downstream the first portion of the grid,to maintain a temperature of the mixture M and M4 from 200°F to 270°F, to obtain a pasteurized product B4 depleted in moisture, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide; and(d) optionally contacting the pasteurized product B1, B2, B3 or B4 with a flow of ambient air passing through a remaining portion of the grid close the outlet the second fluidized bed dryer, for cooling the pasteurized product B1, B2, B3 or B4 and obtaining the cooled and pasteurized product BT, B2’, B3’ or B4’; and(e) recovering from step (c1), (c2), (c3) or (c4) the pasteurized product B1, B2, B3 or B4, or from step (d), the cooled and pasteurized product BT, B2’, B3’ or B4’, having• a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15%, and• a cfu / g of 500k / g or less.The process according to embodiment 49, wherein said process is a continuous process.The process according to embodiment 49 or 50, wherein step (c) comprises sub-step (c1) of contacting said mixture M with the flow of steam and hot air passing trough the at least a portion of the grid, to maintain the temperature of the mixture M from 200°F to 270°F and obtain the pasteurized product B1 which is depleted in moisture, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide;The process according to embodiment 49 or 50, wherein step (c) comprises sub-step (c1) of contacting said mixture M with the flow of steam and hot air passing trough the at least a portion of the grid, to maintain the temperature of the mixture M from 200°F to 270°F and obtain the pasteurized product B1 which is depleted in moisture, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide; andwherein said process comprises the step (d) of the contacting the pasteurized product B1 with a flow of ambient air passing through a portion of the grid close the outlet the fluidized bed dryer, for cooling thepasteurized product B1 and obtaining a cooled and pasteurized product BT.The process according to embodiment 52, wherein the flow of ambient air is generated by a blower, said flow of ambient air originating from a source of ambient air and being optionally passed through a filter before passing through the grid.The process according to any one of embodiments 51 to 53, wherein the pasteurized product B1 is substantially free of the peracetic acid and / or the hydrogen peroxide.The process according to any one of embodiments 51 to 53, wherein in step (c1) the flow of steam and hot air is a mixture of hot air saturated with steam.The process according to embodiment 55, wherein the flow of steam and hot air is generated by a blower combining a flow of steam originating from a source of steam, and a flow of hot air originating from a source of hot air.The process according to any one of embodiments 51 to 56, wherein step (a) comprises the steps of spraying the aqueous solution against the product A, and mixing together the product A and the aqueous solution.The process according to embodiment 57, wherein the mixing of the product A and the aqueous solution is carried out in mixing drum.The process according to embodiment 57, wherein the mixing of the product A and the aqueous solution is carried out in a continuous mixer. The process according to any one of embodiments 51 to 59, wherein the aqueous solution comprises with respect to a total weight of the aqueous solution:(i) from 0.1 wt.-% to 0.8 wt.-% of peracetic acid;(ii) from 0.5 wt.-% to 4.0 wt.-% of hydrogen peroxide; and (iii) remain of the aqueous solution comprises water.The process according to embodiment 60, wherein the aqueous solution further comprises:acetic acid,sulfuric acid, and / orat least one additive.The process according to any one of embodiments 51 to 61, wherein the aqueous solution further comprises at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of glycol ether, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol and alcohol of formula ROH wherein R is selected from the group consisting of linear Ci-Ce alkyl and branched C3-C6 alkyl;The method according to embodiment 62, wherein said at least one solvent represents from 1 to 40 wt.-% of the total weight of the aqueous solution.The process according to any one of embodiments 51 to 63, wherein the aqueous solution is contacted with the product A at a rate of 25 to 400 liters of the aqueous solution per metric ton of the product A.The process according to any one of embodiments 51 to 64, wherein step (b) is carried out with least one device selected from the group consisting of chutes and conveyor belts.The process according to embodiment 65, wherein the at least one device of step (b) is a chute.The process according to any one of embodiments 51 to 66, wherein the flow of hot air is about 500CFM.The process according to any one of embodiments 51 to 67, wherein the flow of ambient air is about 500CFM.The process according to any one of embodiments 51 to 68, wherein the mixture of steam and hot air comprises:5 % to 95% steam; and95% to 5 % hot air.The process according to embodiment 69, wherein the mixture of steam and hot air comprises 95 % steam and 5 % hot air.The process according to any one of embodiments 51 to 70, wherein the flow of the mixture of hot air and steam is about 500CFM.The process according to any one of embodiments 51 to 70, wherein the mixture of steam and hot air is feed to the fluidized bed dryer at a rate of 517.5 Ibs / hr to 1,380 Ibs / hr steam.The process according to any one of claims 51 to 70, wherein the amount of steam is between 400 Ibs / h to 700 Ibs / hr.The process according to any one of embodiments 51 to 73, wherein said process further comprises at least one step for performing concomitantly with step (a) at least one ofa UV treatment,an ozone treatment,an activated water treatment,a hydroxyl radical treatment, and a ultrasonic treatment.The process according to any one of embodiments 51 to 74, wherein the at least one pathogenic agent is selected from the group consisting of a bacteria, a fungi, a yeasts and a mold.The process according to any one of embodiments 51 to 74, wherein the at least one pathogenic agent is a bacteria.The process according to embodiment 76, wherein the bacteria is selected from the group consisting of Salmonella ssp., E.coli spp., Listeria spp., Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens, Staphylococcus aureus, and E.faecium.The process according to embodiment 76, wherein the bacteria is selected from the group consisting of Salmonella ssp, Listeria ssp E. Coli ssp and E. faecium.The process according to any one of embodiments 51 to 74, wherein the at least one pathogenic agent is a fungi.The process according to embodiment 79, wherein the fungi is selected from the group consisting of Albugo spp., Alternaria spp., Armillaria spp., Aspergillus spp., Athelia spp., Bipolaris spp., Botryosphaeria spp., Botryotinia spp., Botrytis spp., Bremia spp., Capnodium spp., Ceratobasidium spp., Ceratocystis spp., Cercospora spp., Choanephora spp., Claviceps spp., Corynespora spp., Cronartium spp., Cryphonectria spp., Cylindrocladium spp., Cytospora spp., Diaporthe spp., Diplodia spp., Dreschlera spp., Elsinoe spp., Erexohilum spp., Erysiphe spp., Eutypha spp., Exobasidium spp., Fusarium spp., Gaeumannomyces spp., Gliocladium spp., Gymnosporangium spp., Heterobasidium spp., Hypoxylon spp., Kutilakesa spp., Lophiodermium spp., Magnaporthe spp., Melampsora spp., Monilinia spp., Mycosphaerella spp., Myrothecia spp., Nectriella spp., Nematospora spp., OTdium spp., Olpidium spp., Ophiostoma spp., Penicillium spp., Peronospora spp., Phakospora spp., Phoma spp., Phomopsis spp., Phragmidium spp., Phyllactinia spp.,Physoderma spp., Phytophthora spp., Plasmodiophora spp., Plasmopara spp., Pseudoperonospora spp., Puccinia spp., Pythium spp., Rhizoctonia spp., Rhizopus spp., Rhytisma spp., Sclerotinia spp., Sclerotium spp., Spongospora spp., Synchytrium spp., Taphrina spp., Thanatephorus spp., Thielaviopsis spp., Tilletia spp., Uncinula spp., Urocystis spp., Ustilago spp., Valsa spp., Venturia spp., Verticillium spp., and Xylaria spp.).The process according to any one of embodiments 51 to 74, wherein the at least one pathogenic agent is a yeast.e process according to any one of embodiments 52 to 74, wherein the pathogenic agent is a mold.e process according to any one of embodiments 51 to 82, wherein the seeds are selected from the group consisting of cereals, pseudocereals, nuts, nut-like gymnosperm seeds, beans, seeds for sprouting, seed spices, seeds of crops transplantable from greenhouse to field.The process according to any one of embodiments 51 to 82, wherein the seeds are selected from the group consisting of seeds of grass, maize, wheat and rice.The process according to any one of embodiments 51 to 82, wherein the seeds are selected from the group consisting of seeds of barley, fonio, maize (com), pearl millet, oats, palmer's grass, rice, rye, sorghum, spelt, teff, triticale, wheat and wild rice.The process according to any one of embodiments 51 to 82, wherein the seeds are selected from the group consisting of seeds of breadnut, buckwheat, cattail, chia, flax, grain amaranth, kaniwa, pitseed goosefoot, quinoa and wattleseed (also called acacia seed).The process according to any one of embodiments 51 to 82, wherein the seeds are nuts selected from the group consisting of almonds, coconuts, peanuts and cashews.The process according to any one of embodiments 51 to 82, wherein the seeds are nuts selected from the group consisting of almond, beech, brazil nut, candlenut, cashew, chestnuts coconut, colocynth, Cucurbita ficifolia, filbert, Gevuina avellana, hickory Terminalia catappa, hazelnut, Indian beech, kola nut, macadamia, Malabar chestnut, pistacia, mamoncillo, maya nut, mongongo, oak acorns, ogbono nut, paradise nut, pili nut, walnut and water caltrop.The process according to any one of embodiments 51 to 82, wherein the seeds are nut-like gymnosperm seeds selected from the group consisting of cycads, ginkgo, Gnetum gnemon, juniper, monkey-puzzle, pine nuts, and podocarps.The process according to any one of embodiments 51 to 82, wherein the seeds are selected from the group consisting of seeds of cempedak, coffee, egusi, euryale ferox (fox nut), fluted pumpkin, hemp seed, jackfruit, lotus seed, Malabar gourd, pumpkin seed, sunflower seed, sesame seed or Tahini.The process according to any one of embodiments 51 to 82, wherein the seeds are selected from the group consisting of seeds of bambara groundnut, chickpeas, cowpeas, dry beans, fava or broad beans, hyacinth bean, lablab, lentils, lupins, Moringa oleifera, peas, peanuts, pigeon peas, sterculia, velvet beans, winged beans, yam beans and soybeans.The process according to any one of embodiments 51 to 82, wherein the seeds are seeds for sprouting selected from the group consisting of alfalfa, clover, fenugreek, lentil, pea, chickpea, mung bean and soybean; oat, wheat, maize (com), rice, barley, rye, kamut, quinoa, amaranth andbuckwheat; oilseeds, brassicas, crucifers, broccoli, cabbage, watercress, mustard, mizuna, radish, daikon (kaiware), rocket (arugula), tatsoi, turnip, carrot, celery, fennel, parsley; onion, leek, green onion, spinach, lettuce, milk thistle and lemon grass.The process according to any one of embodiments 51 to 82, wherein the seeds are seed spices selected from the group consisting of ajwain, carom, alligator pepper, mbongo spice, mbongochobi pepper, hepper pepper, allspice, anise, aniseed myrtle, annatto, borage, black cardamom, black mustard, blue fenugreek, blue melilot, brown mustard, caraway, cardamom, celery seed, clove, coriander seed, cumin, dill seed, fennel, fenugreek, grains of paradise, grains of Selim or Kani pepper, juniper berry, kala zeera, kala jira, black cumin, Kawakawa seeds, keluak, kluwak, kepayang, kikam seed, korarima, Ehiopian cardamon, false cardamom, mace, mahalab, saint Lucie cherry, black mustard seed, brown mustard seed, white mustar deed, yellow mustard seed, nigella, kalonji, black caraway, black onion seed, njangsa, djansang, nutmeg, black pepper seed, green pepper seed, black pepper seed, star anise, sumac, Szechuan pepper, Sichuan pepper, vanilla and wattleseed.The process according to any one of embodiments 51 to 82, wherein the seeds are seeds of crops transplantable from greenhouse to field and selected from the group consisting of basil, bell pepper, broccoflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cantaloupe, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, eggplant, head lettuce, honeydew, muskmelon, onion, radicchio, romaine lettuce, squash, tobacco, tomato and watermelon. The process according to any one of embodiments 51 to 82, wherein the product A is selected from the group consisting of basil, parsley, thyme, coriander, cilantro, marjoram, fennel, dill, cumin, chili, peppers, paprika, bay leaf, onion, garlic, ginger, nettle leaf, oregano, rosemary, spinach, clove, poppy seed, sage, savory, tarragon, turmeric, mustard and mint.The process according to any one of embodiments 51 to 82, wherein the product A is Egyptian basil.The process according to embodiment 49 or 50, wherein step (c) comprises sub-step (c2) successively performing the steps of contacting said mixture M with the flow of hot air passing through the at least the first portion of the grid, to obtain the mixture M1 of the aqueous solution and the product A which is at least depleted in moisture, andcontacting said mixture M1 with the flow of steam and hot air passing trough at the least the second portion of the grid, downsteam the first portion of the grid,to maintain the temperature of the mixtures M and M1 from 200°F to 270°F and obtain the pasteurized product B2 which is depleted in moisture, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide.The process according to embodiment 49 or 50, wherein step (c) comprises sub-step (c2) of successively performing the steps of contacting said mixture M with the flow of hot air passing through the at least the first portion of the grid, to obtain the mixture M1 of the aqueous solution and the product A which is at least depleted in moisture, andcontacting said mixture M1 with the flow of steam and hot air passing trough at the least the second portion of the grid, downsteam the first portion of the grid;to maintain the temperature of the mixture M and M1 from 200°F to 270°F and obtain the pasteurized product B2 which is depleted in moisture, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide; andwherein said process comprises the step (d) for the contacting of the pasteurized product B2 with the flow of ambient air passing through a portion of the grid close the outlet the fluidized bed dryer, for cooling the pasteurized product B2 and obtaining a cooled and pasteurized product B2’.The process according to embodiment 98, wherein the flow of ambient air is generated by a blower, said flow of ambient air originating from a source of ambient air and being optionally passed through a filter before passing through the grid.The process according to any one of embodiments 97 to 99, wherein the pasteurized product B2 is substantially free of the peracetic acid and / or the hydrogen peroxide.The process according to any one of embodiments 97 to 100, wherein in step (c2) the flow of steam and hot air is a mixture of hot air saturated with steam.The process according to embodiment 101, wherein the flow of steam and hot air is generated by a blower combining a flow of steam originating from a source of steam, and a flow of hot air originating from a source of hot air.The process according to any one of embodiments 97 to 102, wherein the flow of hot air is generated by a blower in fluid communication with a source of hot air.The process according to any one of embodiments 97 to 103, wherein step (a) comprises the steps of spraying the aqueous solution against the product A, and mixing together the product A and the aqueous solution.The process according to embodiment 104, wherein the mixing of the product A and the aqueous solution is carried out in mixing drum.The process according to embodiment 104, wherein the mixing of the product A and the aqueous solution is carried out in a continuous mixer. The process according to any one of embodiments 97 to 106, wherein the aqueous solution comprises with respect to a total weight of the aqueous solution:(i) from 0.1 wt.-% to 0.8 wt.-% of peracetic acid;(ii) from 0.5 wt.-% to 4.0 wt.-% of hydrogen peroxide; and (iii) remain of the aqueous solution comprises water.The process according to embodiment 107, wherein the aqueous solution further comprises:acetic acid,sulfuric acid, and / orat least one additive.The process according to any one of embodiments 97 to 108, wherein the aqueous solution further comprises at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of glycol ether, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol and alcohol of formula ROH wherein R is selected from the group consisting of linear Ci-Ce alkyl and branched C3-C6 alkyl;The method according to embodiment 109, wherein said at least one solvent represents from 1 to 40 wt.-% of the total weight of the aqueous solution.The process according to any one of embodiments 97 to 110, wherein the aqueous solution is contacted with the product A at a rate of 25 to 400 liters of the aqueous solution per metric ton of the product A.The process according to any one of embodiments 97 to 111, wherein step (b) is carried out with least one device selected from the group consisting of chutes and conveyor belts.The process according to embodiment 112, wherein the at least one device of step (b) is a chute.The process according to any one of embodiments 97 to 113, wherein the flow of hot air is about 500CFM.The process according to any one of embodiments 97 to 114, wherein the flow of ambient air is about 500CFM.The process according to any one of embodiments 97 to 115, wherein the mixture of steam and hot air comprises:5 % to 95% steam; and95% to 5 % hot air.The process according to embodiment 116, wherein the mixture of steam and hot air comprises 95 % steam and 5 % hot air.The process according to any one of embodiments 97 to 117, wherein the flow of the mixture of hot air and steam is about 500CFM.The process according to any one of embodiments 97 to 117, wherein the mixture of steam and hot air is feed to the fluidized bed dryer at a rate of 517.5 Ibs / hr to 1 ,380 Ibs / hr steam.The process according to any one of claims 97 to 117, wherein the amount of steam is between 400 Ibs / h to 700 Ibs / hr.The process according to any one of embodiments 97 to 120, wherein said process further comprises at least one step for performing concomitantly with step (a) at least one ofa UV treatment,an ozone treatment,an activated water treatment,a hydroxyl radical treatment, and a ultrasonic treatment.The process according to any one of embodiments 97 to 121, wherein the at least one pathogenic agent is selected from the group consisting of a bacteria, a fungi, a yeasts and a mold.The process according to any one of embodiments 97 to 121, wherein the at least one pathogenic agent is a bacteria.The process according to embodiment 123, wherein the bacteria selected from the group consisting of Salmonella ssp., E.coli spp., Listeria spp., Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens, Staphylococcus aureus, and E.faecium.The process according to embodiment 123, wherein the bacteria is selected from the group consisting of Salmonella ssp, Listeria ssp E. Coli ssp and E. faecium.The process according to any one of embodiments 97 to 123, wherein the at least one pathogenic agent is a fungi.The process according to embodiment 126, wherein the fungi is selected from the group consisting of Albugo spp., Alternaria spp., Armillaria spp., Aspergillus spp., Athelia spp., Bipolaris spp., Botryosphaeria spp., Botryotinia spp., Botrytis spp., Bremia spp., Capnodium spp., Ceratobasidium spp., Ceratocystis spp., Cercospora spp., Choanephora spp., Claviceps spp., Corynespora spp., Cronartium spp., Cryphonectria spp., Cylindrocladium spp., Cytospora spp., Diaporthe spp., Diplodia spp., Dreschlera spp., Elsinoe spp., Erexohilum spp., Erysiphe spp., Eutypha spp., Exobasidium spp., Fusarium spp., Gaeumannomycesspp., Gliocladium spp., Gymnosporangium spp., Heterobasidium spp., Hypoxylon spp., Kutilakesa spp., Lophiodermium spp., Magnaporthe spp., Melampsora spp., Monilinia spp., Mycosphaerella spp., Myrothecia spp., Nectriella spp., Nematospora spp., OTdium spp., Olpidium spp., Ophiostoma spp., Penicillium spp., Peronospora spp., Phakospora spp., Phoma spp., Phomopsis spp., Phragmidium spp., Phyllactinia spp., Physoderma spp., Phytophthora spp., Plasmodiophora spp., Plasmopara spp., Pseudoperonospora spp., Puccinia spp., Pythium spp., Rhizoctonia spp., Rhizopus spp., Rhytisma spp., Sclerotinia spp., Sclerotium spp., Spongospora spp., Synchytrium spp., Taphrina spp., Thanatephorus spp., Thielaviopsis spp., Tilletia spp., Uncinula spp., Urocystis spp., Ustilago spp., Valsa spp., Venturia spp., Verticillium spp., and Xylaria spp.).The process according to any one of embodiments 97 to 123, wherein the at least one pathogenic agent is a yeast.The process according to any one of embodiments 97 to 123, wherein the at least one pathogenic agent is a mold.The process according to any one of embodiments 97 to 129, wherein the seeds are selected from the group consisting of cereals, pseudocereals, nuts, nut-like gymnosperm seeds, beans, seeds for sprouting, seed spices, seeds of crops transplantable from greenhouse to field.The process according to any one of embodiments 97 to 129, wherein the seeds are selected from the group consisting of seeds of grass, maize, wheat and rice.The process according to any one of embodiments 97 to 129, wherein the seeds are selected from the group consisting of seeds of barley, fonio, maize (com), pearl millet, oats, palmer's grass, rice, rye, sorghum, spelt, teff, triticale, wheat and wild rice.The process according to any one of embodiments 97 to 129, wherein the seeds are selected from the group consisting of seeds of breadnut, buckwheat, cattail, chia, flax, grain amaranth, kaniwa, pitseed goosefoot, quinoa and wattleseed (also called acacia seed).The process according to any one of embodiments 97 to 129, wherein the seeds are nuts selected from the group consisting of almonds, coconuts, peanuts and cashews.The process according to any one of embodiments 97 to 129, wherein the seeds are nuts selected from the group consisting of almond, beech, brazil nut, candlenut, cashew, chestnuts coconut, colocynth, Cucurbita ficifolia, filbert, Gevuina avellana, hickory Terminalia catappa, hazelnut, Indian beech, kola nut, macadamia, Malabar chestnut, pistacia, mamoncillo, maya nut, mongongo, oak acorns, ogbono nut, paradise nut, pili nut, walnut and water caltrop.The process according to any one of embodiments 97 to 129 wherein the seeds are nut-like gymnosperm seeds selected from the group consisting of cycads, ginkgo, Gnetum gnemon, juniper, monkey-puzzle, pine nuts, and podocarps.The process according to any one of embodiments 97 to 129, wherein the seeds are selected from the group consisting of seeds of cempedak, coffee, egusi, euryale ferox (fox nut), fluted pumpkin, hemp seed, jackfruit, lotus seed, Malabar gourd, pumpkin seed, sunflower seed, sesame seed or Tahini.The process according to any one of embodiments 97 to 129, wherein the seeds are selected from the group consisting of seeds of bambara groundnut, chickpeas, cowpeas, dry beans, fava or broad beans, hyacinth bean, lablab, lentils, lupins, Moringa oleifera, peas, peanuts, pigeon peas, sterculia, velvet beans, winged beans, yam beans and soybeans.The process according to any one of embodiments 97 to 129, wherein the seeds are seeds for sprouting selected from the group consisting of alfalfa, clover, fenugreek, lentil, pea, chickpea, mung bean and soybean; oat, wheat, maize (com), rice, barley, rye, kamut, quinoa, amaranth and buckwheat; oilseeds, brassicas, crucifers, broccoli, cabbage, watercress, mustard, mizuna, radish, daikon (kaiware), rocket (arugula), tatsoi, turnip, carrot, celery, fennel, parsley; onion, leek, green onion, spinach, lettuce, milk thistle and lemon grass.The process according to any one of embodiments 97 to 129, wherein the seeds are seed spices selected from the group consisting of ajwain, carom, alligator pepper, mbongo spice, mbongochobi pepper, hepper pepper, allspice, anise, aniseed myrtle, annatto, borage, black cardamom, black mustard, blue fenugreek, blue melilot, brown mustard, caraway, cardamom, celery seed, clove, coriander seed, cumin, dill seed, fennel, fenugreek, grains of paradise, grains of Selim or Kani pepper, juniper berry, kala zeera, kala jira, black cumin, Kawakawa seeds, keluak, kluwak, kepayang, kikam seed, korarima, Ehiopian cardamon, false cardamom, mace, mahalab, saint Lucie cherry, black mustard seed, brown mustard seed, white mustar deed, yellow mustard seed, nigella, kalonji, black caraway, black onion seed, njangsa, djansang, nutmeg, black pepper seed, green pepper seed, black pepper seed, star anise, sumac, Szechuan pepper, Sichuan pepper, vanilla and wattleseed.The process according to any one of embodiments 97 to 129, wherein the seeds are seeds of crops transplantable from greenhouse to field and selected from the group consisting of basil, bell pepper, broccoflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cantaloupe, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, eggplant, head lettuce, honeydew, muskmelon, onion, radicchio, romaine lettuce, squash, tobacco, tomato and watermelon.The process according to any one of embodiments 97 to 129, wherein the product A is selected from the group consisting of bail, parsley, thyme, coriander, cilantro, marjoram, fennel, dill, cumin, chili, peppers, paprika, bay leaf, onion, garlic, ginger, nettle leaf, oregano, rosemary, spinach, clove, poppy seed, sage, savory, tarragon, turmeric, mustard and mint.The process according to any one of embodiments 97 to 129, wherein the product A is Egyptian basil.The process according to embodiment 49 or 50, wherein step (c) comprises sub-step (c3) of successively performing the steps of:contacting said mixture M with the flow of hot air passing through the at least first portion of the grid, to obtain the mixture M2 of the aqueous solution and the product A which is at least depleted in moisture,contacting said mixture M2 with the flow of steam and hot air passing trough the at least a second portion of the grid, downsteam the first portion of the grid, to obtain the mixture M3, which is at least depleted in peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, andcontacting the mixture M3 with the second flow of hot air passing through the third portion of the grid, downstream the second portion of the grid,to maintain the temperature of the mixtures M, M2 and M3 from 200°F to 270°F, and obtain a pasteurized product B3 which is depleted in moisture, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide.The process according to embodiment 49, wherein step (c) comprises sub-step (c3) of successively performing the steps of:contacting said mixture M with the flow of hot air passing through the at least first portion of the grid, to obtain the mixture M2 of the aqueous solution and the product A which is at least depleted in moisture,contacting said mixture M2 with the flow of steam and hot air passing trough the at least a second portion of the grid, downsteam the first portion of the grid, to obtain the mixture M3, which is at least depleted in peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, andcontacting the mixture M3 with the second flow of hot air passing through the third portion of the grid, downstream the second portion of the grid,to maintain the temperature of the mixtures M, M2 and M3 from 200°F to 270°F, and obtain a pasteurized product B3 which is depleted in moisture, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide; and wherein said process comprises the step (d) of the contacting of the pasteurized product B3 with the flow of ambient air passing through a portion of the grid close the outlet the fluidized bed dryer, for cooling the pasteurized product B3 and obtaining a cooled and pasteurized product B3’.The process according to embodiment 145, wherein the flow of ambient air is generated by a blower, said flow of ambient air originating from a source of ambient air and being optionally passed through a filter before passing through the grid.The process according to any one of embodiments 144 to 146, wherein the pasteurized product B2 is substantially free of the peracetic acid and / or the hydrogen peroxide.The process according to any one of embodiments 144 to 147, wherein in step (c3) the flow of steam and hot air is a mixture of hot air saturated with steam.The process according to embodiment 148, wherein the flow of steam and hot air is generated by a blower combining a flow of steam originating from a source of steam, and a flow of hot air originating from a source of hot air.The process according to any one of embodiments 144 to 149, wherein each flow of hot air is generated by a blower in fluid communication with a source of hot air.The process according to any one of embodiments 144 to 150, wherein step (a) comprises the steps of spraying the aqueous solution against the product A, and mixing together the product A and the aqueous solution.The process according to embodiment 151, wherein the mixing of the product A and the aqueous solution is carried out in mixing drum.The process according to embodiment 151, wherein the mixing of the product A and the aqueous solution is carried out in a continuous mixer. The process according to any one of embodiments 144 to 153, wherein the aqueous solution comprises with respect to a total weight of the aqueous solution:(i) from 0.1 wt.-% to 0.8 wt.-% of peracetic acid;(ii) from 0.5 wt.-% to 4.0 wt.-% of hydrogen peroxide; and (iii) remain of the aqueous solution comprises water.The process according to embodiment 154, wherein the aqueous solution further comprises:acetic acid,sulfuric acid, and / orat least one additive.The process according to any one of embodiments 144 to 155, wherein the aqueous solution further comprises at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of glycol ether, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol and alcohol of formula ROH wherein R is selected from the group consisting of linear Ci-Ce alkyl and branched C3-C6 alkyl;The method according to embodiment 156, wherein said at least one solvent represents from 1 to 40 wt.-% of the total weight of the aqueous solution.The process according to any one of embodiments 144 to 157, wherein the aqueous solution is contacted with the product A at a rate of 25 to 400 liters of the aqueous solution per metric ton of the product A.The process according to any one of embodiments 144 to 158, wherein step (b) is carried out with least one device selected from the group consisting of chutes and conveyor belts.The process according to embodiment 159, wherein the at least one device of step (b) is a chute.The process according to any one of embodiments 144 to 160, wherein the flow of hot air is about 500CFM.The process according to any one of embodiments 144 to 161, wherein the flow of ambient air is about 500CFM.The process according to any one of embodiments 144 to 162, wherein the mixture of steam and hot air comprises:5 % to 95% steam; and95% to 5 % hot air.The process according to embodiment 163, wherein the mixture of steam and hot air comprises 95 % steam and 5 % hot air.The process according to any one of embodiments 144 to 164, wherein the flow of the mixture of hot air and steam is about 500CFM.The process according to any one of embodiments 144 to 164, wherein the mixture of steam and hot air is feed to the fluidized bed dryer at a rate of 517.5 Ibs / hr to 1 ,380 Ibs / hr steam.The process according to any one of claims 144 to 164, wherein the amount of steam is between 400 Ibs / h to 700 Ibs / hr.The process according to any one of embodiments 144 to 167, wherein said process further comprises at least one step for performing concomitantly with step (a) at least one ofa UV treatment,an ozone treatment,an activated water treatment,a hydroxyl radical treatment, and ultrasonic treatment].The process according to any one of embodiments 144 to 168, wherein the at least one pathogenic agent is selected from the group consisting of a bacteria, a fungi, a yeasts and a mold.The process according to any one of embodiments 144 to 169, wherein the at least one pathogenic agent is a bacteria.The process according to embodiment 170, wherein the at least one pathogenic agent is a bacteria selected from the group consisting ofSalmonella ssp., E.coli spp., Listeria spp., Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens, Staphylococcus aureus, and E.faecium.The process according to embodiment 170, wherein the bacteria is selected from the group consisting of Salmonella ssp, Listeria ssp E. Coli ssp and E. faecium.The process according to any one of embodiments 144 to 169, wherein the at least one pathogenic agent is a fungi.The process according to embodiment 173, wherein the fungi is selected from the group consisting of Albugo spp., Alternaria spp., Armillaria spp., Aspergillus spp., Athelia spp., Bipolaris spp., Botryosphaeria spp., Botryotinia spp., Botrytis spp., Bremia spp., Capnodium spp., Ceratobasidium spp., Ceratocystis spp., Cercospora spp., Choanephora spp., Claviceps spp., Corynespora spp., Cronartium spp., Cryphonectria spp., Cylindrocladium spp., Cytospora spp., Diaporthe spp., Diplodia spp., Dreschlera spp., Elsinoe spp., Erexohilum spp., Erysiphe spp., Eutypha spp., Exobasidium spp., Fusarium spp., Gaeumannomyces spp., Gliocladium spp., Gymnosporangium spp., Heterobasidium spp., Hypoxylon spp., Kutilakesa spp., Lophiodermium spp., Magnaporthe spp., Melampsora spp., Monilinia spp., Mycosphaerella spp., Myrothecia spp., Nectriella spp., Nematospora spp., OTdium spp., Olpidium spp., Ophiostoma spp., Penicillium spp., Peronospora spp., Phakospora spp., Phoma spp., Phomopsis spp., Phragmidium spp., Phyllactinia spp., Physoderma spp., Phytophthora spp., Plasmodiophora spp., Plasmopara spp., Pseudoperonospora spp., Puccinia spp., Pythium spp., Rhizoctonia spp., Rhizopus spp., Rhytisma spp., Sclerotinia spp., Sclerotium spp., Spongospora spp., Synchytrium spp., Taphrina spp., Thanatephorus spp., Thielaviopsis spp., Tilletia spp., Uncinula spp., Urocystis spp., Ustilago spp., Valsa spp., Venturia spp., Verticillium spp., and Xylaria spp.).The process according to any one of embodiments 144 to 168, wherein the at least one pathogenic agent is a yeast.The process according to any one of embodiments 144 to 168, wherein the at least ne pathogenic agent is a mold.The process according to any one of embodiments 144 to 176, wherein the seeds are selected from the group consisting of cereals, pseudocereals, nuts, nut-like gymnosperm seeds, beans, seeds for sprouting, seed spices, seeds of crops transplantable from greenhouse to field.The process according to any one of embodiments 144 to 176, wherein the seeds are selected from the group consisting of seeds of grass, maize, wheat and rice.The process according to any one of embodiments 144 to 176, wherein the seeds are selected from the group consisting of seeds of barley, fonio, maize (com), pearl millet, oats, palmer's grass, rice, rye, sorghum, spelt, teff, triticale, wheat and wild rice.The process according to any one of embodiments 144 to 176, wherein the seeds are selected from the group consisting of seeds of breadnut, buckwheat, cattail, chia, flax, grain amaranth, kaniwa, pitseed goosefoot, quinoa and wattleseed (also called acacia seed).The process according to any one of embodiments 144 to 176, wherein the seeds are nuts selected from the group consisting of almonds, coconuts, peanuts and cashews.The process according to any one of embodiments 144 to 176, wherein the seeds are nuts selected from the group consisting of almond, beech, brazil nut, candlenut, cashew, chestnuts coconut, colocynth, Cucurbita ficifolia, filbert, Gevuina avellana, hickory Terminalia catappa, hazelnut, Indian beech, kola nut, macadamia, Malabar chestnut, pistacia,mamoncillo, maya nut, mongongo, oak acorns, ogbono nut, paradise nut, pili nut, walnut and water caltrop.The process according to any one of embodiments 144 to 176, wherein the seeds are nut-like gymnosperm seeds selected from the group consisting of cycads, ginkgo, Gnetum gnemon, juniper, monkey-puzzle, pine nuts, and podocarps.The process according to any one of embodiments 144 to 176, wherein the seeds are selected from the group consisting of seeds of cempedak, coffee, egusi, euryale ferox (fox nut), fluted pumpkin, hemp seed, jackfruit, lotus seed, Malabar gourd, pumpkin seed, sunflower seed, sesame seed or Tahini.The process according to any one of embodiments 144 to 176, wherein the seeds are selected from the group consisting of seeds of bambara groundnut, chickpeas, cowpeas, dry beans, fava or broad beans, hyacinth bean, lablab, lentils, lupins, Moringa oleifera, peas, peanuts, pigeon peas, sterculia, velvet beans, winged beans, yam beans and soybeans.The process according to any one of embodiments 144 to 176, wherein the seeds are seeds for sprouting selected from the group consisting of alfalfa, clover, fenugreek, lentil, pea, chickpea, mung bean and soybean; oat, wheat, maize (com), rice, barley, rye, kamut, quinoa, amaranth and buckwheat; oilseeds, brassicas, crucifers, broccoli, cabbage, watercress, mustard, mizuna, radish, daikon (kaiware), rocket (arugula), tatsoi, turnip, carrot, celery, fennel, parsley; onion, leek, green onion, spinach, lettuce, milk thistle and lemon grass.The process according to any one of embodiments 144 to 176, wherein the seeds are seed spices selected from the group consisting of ajwain, carom, alligator pepper, mbongo spice, mbongochobi pepper, hepper pepper, allspice, anise, aniseed myrtle, annatto, borage, blackcardamom, black mustard, blue fenugreek, blue melilot, brown mustard, caraway, cardamom, celery seed, clove, coriander seed, cumin, dill seed, fennel, fenugreek, grains of paradise, grains of Selim or Kani pepper, juniper berry, kala zeera, kala jira, black cumin, Kawakawa seeds, keluak, kluwak, kepayang, kikam seed, korarima, Ehiopian cardamon, false cardamom, mace, mahalab, saint Lucie cherry, black mustard seed, brown mustard seed, white mustar deed, yellow mustard seed, nigella, kalonji, black caraway, black onion seed, njangsa, djansang, nutmeg, black pepper seed, green pepper seed, black pepper seed, star anise, sumac, Szechuan pepper, Sichuan pepper, vanilla and wattleseed.The process according to any one of embodiments 144 to 176, wherein the seeds are seeds of crops transplantable from greenhouse to field and selected from the group consisting of basil, bell pepper, broccoflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cantaloupe, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, eggplant, head lettuce, honeydew, muskmelon, onion, radicchio, romaine lettuce, squash, tobacco, tomato and watermelon.The process according to any one of embodiments 144 to 176, wherein the product A is selected from the group consisting of bail, parsley, thyme, coriander, cilantro, marjoram, fennel, dill, cumin, chili, peppers, paprika, bay leaf, onion, garlic, ginger, nettle leaf, oregano, rosemary, spinach, clove, poppy seed, sage, savory, tarragon, turmeric, mustard and mint.The process according to any one of embodiments 144 to 176, wherein the product A is Egyptian basil.The process according to embodiment 49 or 50, wherein step (c) comprises sub-step (c4) of successively performing the steps of:contacting said mixture M with a flow of steam and hot air passing trough at least a first portion of the grid, to obtain a mixture M4 of the aqueous solution and the product A, andcontacting the mixture M4 with a flow of hot air passing through a second portion of the grid downstream the first portion of the grid, to maintain a temperature of the mixtures M and M4 from 200°F to 270°F, and obtain a pasteurized product B4 depleted in moisture, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide.The process according to embodiment 49 or 50, wherein step (c) comprises sub-step (c4) of successively performing the steps of: contacting said mixture M with a flow of steam and hot air passing trough at least a first portion of the grid, to obtain a mixture M4 of the aqueous solution and the product A, andcontacting the mixture M4 with a flow of hot air passing through a second portion of the grid downstream the first portion of the grid, to maintain a temperature of the mixtures M and M4 from 200°F to 270°F, and obtain a pasteurized product B4 depleted in moisture, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide; andwherein said process comprises the step (d) of the contacting of the pasteurized product B4 with the flow of ambient air passing through a portion of the grid close the outlet the fluidized bed dryer, for cooling the pasteurized product B4 and obtaining a cooled and pasteurized product B4.The process according to embodiment 192, wherein the flow of ambient air is generated by a blower, said flow of ambient air originating from a source of ambient air and being optionally passed through a filter before passing through the grid.The process according to any one of embodiments 191 to 193, wherein the pasteurized product B4 is substantially free of the peracetic acid and / or the hydrogen peroxide.The process according to any one of embodiments 191 to 194, wherein in step (c4) the flow of steam and hot air is a mixture of hot air saturated with steam.The process according to embodiment 195, wherein the flow of steam and hot air is generated by a blower combining a flow of steam originating from a source of steam, and a flow of hot air originating from a source of hot air.The process according to any one of embodiments 191 to 196, wherein each flow of hot air is generated by a blower in fluid communication with a source of hot air.The process according to any one of embodiments 191 to 197, wherein step (a) comprises the steps of spraying the aqueous solution against the product A, and mixing together the product A and the aqueous solution.The process according to embodiment 198, wherein the mixing of the product A and the aqueous solution is carried out in mixing drum or a continuous mixer.The process according to embodiment 198, wherein the mixing of the product A and the aqueous solution is carried out in a continuous mixer. The process according to any one of embodiments 191 to 200, wherein the aqueous solution comprises with respect to a total weight of the aqueous solution:(i) from 0.1 wt.-% to 0.8 wt.-% of peracetic acid;(ii) from 0.5 wt.-% to 4.0 wt.-% of hydrogen peroxide; and(iii) remain of the aqueous solution comprises water.The process according to embodiment 201, wherein the aqueous solution further comprises:acetic acid,sulfuric acid, and / orat least one additive.The process according to any one of embodiments 191 to 202, wherein the aqueous solution further comprises at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of glycol ether, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol and alcohol of formula ROH wherein R is selected from the group consisting of linear Ci-Ce alkyl and branched C3-C6 alkyl;The method according to embodiment 203, wherein said at least one solvent represents from 1 to 40 wt.-% of the total weight of the aqueous solution.The process according to any one of embodiments 191 to 204, wherein the aqueous solution is contacted with the product A at a rate of 25 to 400 liters of the aqueous solution per metric ton of the product A.The process according to any one of embodiments 191 to 205, wherein step (b) is carried out with least one device selected from the group consisting of chutes and conveyor belts.The process according to embodiment 206, wherein the at least one device of step (b) is a chute which is in fluid communication from an outlet of the mixer to the inlet of the fluidized bed dryer.The process according to any one of embodiments 191 to 207, wherein the flow of hot air is about 500CFM.The process according to any one of embodiments 191 to 208, wherein the flow of ambient air is about 500CFM.The process according to any one of embodiments 191 to 209, wherein the mixture of steam and hot air comprises:5 % to 95% steam; and95% to 5 % hot air.The process according to embodiment 210, wherein the mixture of steam and hot air comprises 95 % steam and 5 % hot air.The process according to any one of embodiments 191 to 211, wherein the flow of the mixture of hot air and steam is about 500CFM.The process according to any one of embodiments 191 to 211, wherein the mixture of steam and hot air is feed to the fluidized bed dryer at a rate of 517.5 Ibs / hr to 1 ,380 Ibs / hr steam.The process according to any one of claims 191 to 211, wherein the amount of steam is between 400 Ibs / h to 700 Ibs / hr.The process according to any one of embodiments 191 to 214, wherein said process further comprises at least one step for performing concomitantly with step (a) at least one ofa UV treatment,an ozone treatment,an activated water treatment, a hydroxyl radical treatment, and ultrasonic treatment].The process according to any one of embodiments 191 to 215, wherein the at least one pathogenic agent is selected from the group consisting of a bacteria, a fungi, a yeasts and a mold.The process according to any one of embodiments 191 to 215, wherein the at least one pathogenic agent is a bacteria.The process according to embodiment 217, wherein the a bacteria selected from the group consisting of Salmonella ssp., E.coli spp., Listeria spp., Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens, Staphylococcus aureus, and E.faecium.The process according to embodiment 217, wherein the bacteria is selected from the group consisting of Salmonella ssp, Listeria ssp E. Coli ssp and E. faecium.The process according to any one of embodiments 191 to 215, wherein the at least one pathogenic agent is a fungi.The process according to embodiment 220, wherein the fungi is selected from the group consisting of Albugo spp., Alternaria spp., Armillaria spp., Aspergillus spp., Athelia spp., Bipolaris spp., Botryosphaeria spp., Botryotinia spp., Botrytis spp., Bremia spp., Capnodium spp., Ceratobasidium spp., Ceratocystis spp., Cercospora spp., Choanephora spp., Claviceps spp., Corynespora spp., Cronartium spp., Cryphonectria spp., Cylindrocladium spp., Cytospora spp., Diaporthe spp., Diplodia spp., Dreschlera spp., Elsinoe spp., Erexohilum spp., Erysiphe spp., Eutypha spp., Exobasidium spp., Fusarium spp., Gaeumannomyces spp., Gliocladium spp., Gymnosporangium spp., Heterobasidium spp., Hypoxylon spp., Kutilakesa spp., Lophiodermium spp., Magnaporthe spp., Melampsora spp., Monilinia spp., Mycosphaerella spp., Myrothecia spp., Nectriella spp., Nematospora spp., OTdium spp., Olpidium spp., Ophiostoma spp., Penicillium spp., Peronospora spp., Phakospora spp., Phoma spp., Phomopsis spp., Phragmidium spp., Phyllactinia spp.,Physoderma spp., Phytophthora spp., Plasmodiophora spp., Plasmopara spp., Pseudoperonospora spp., Puccinia spp., Pythium spp., Rhizoctonia spp., Rhizopus spp., Rhytisma spp., Sclerotinia spp., Sclerotium spp., Spongospora spp., Synchytrium spp., Taphrina spp., Thanatephorus spp., Thielaviopsis spp., Tilletia spp., Uncinula spp., Urocystis spp., Ustilago spp., Valsa spp., Venturia spp., Verticillium spp., and Xylaria spp.).The process according to any one of embodiments 191 to 215, wherein the at least one pathogenic agent is a yeast.The process according to any one of embodiments 191 to 215, wherein the at least one pathogenic agent is a mold.The process according to any one of embodiments 191 to 215, wherein the seeds are selected from the group consisting of cereals, pseudocereals, nuts, nut-like gymnosperm seeds, beans, seeds for sprouting, seed spices, seeds of crops transplantable from greenhouse to field.The process according to any one of embodiments 191 to 215, wherein the seeds are selected from the group consisting of seeds of grass, maize, wheat and rice.The process according to any one of embodiments 191 to 215, wherein the seeds are selected from the group consisting of seeds of barley, fonio, maize (com), pearl millet, oats, palmer's grass, rice, rye, sorghum, spelt, teff, triticale, wheat and wild rice.The process according to any one of embodiments 191 to215, wherein the seeds are selected from the group consisting of seeds of breadnut, buckwheat, cattail, chia, flax, grain amaranth, kaniwa, pitseed goosefoot, quinoa and wattleseed (also called acacia seed).The process according to any one of embodiments 191 to 215, wherein the seeds are nuts selected from the group consisting of almonds, coconuts, peanuts and cashews.The process according to any one of embodiments 191 to 215, wherein the seeds are nuts selected from the group consisting of almond, beech, brazil nut, candlenut, cashew, chestnuts coconut, colocynth, Cucurbita ficifolia, filbert, Gevuina avellana, hickory Terminalia catappa, hazelnut, Indian beech, kola nut, macadamia, Malabar chestnut, pistacia, mamoncillo, maya nut, mongongo, oak acorns, ogbono nut, paradise nut, pili nut, walnut and water caltrop.The process according to any one of embodiments 191 to 215, wherein the seeds are nut-like gymnosperm seeds selected from the group consisting of cycads, ginkgo, Gnetum gnemon, juniper, monkey-puzzle, pine nuts, and podocarps.The process according to any one of embodiments 191 to 215, wherein the seeds are selected from the group consisting of seeds of cempedak, coffee, egusi, euryale ferox (fox nut), fluted pumpkin, hemp seed, jackfruit, lotus seed, Malabar gourd, pumpkin seed, sunflower seed, sesame seed or Tahini.The process according to any one of embodiments 191 to 215, wherein the seeds are selected from the group consisting of seeds of bambara groundnut, chickpeas, cowpeas, dry beans, fava or broad beans, hyacinth bean, lablab, lentils, lupins, Moringa oleifera, peas, peanuts, pigeon peas, sterculia, velvet beans, winged beans, yam beans and soybeans.The process according to any one of embodiments 191 to 215, wherein the seeds are seeds for sprouting selected from the group consisting of alfalfa, clover, fenugreek, lentil, pea, chickpea, mung bean and soybean; oat, wheat, maize (com), rice, barley, rye, kamut, quinoa, amaranth andbuckwheat; oilseeds, brassicas, crucifers, broccoli, cabbage, watercress, mustard, mizuna, radish, daikon (kaiware), rocket (arugula), tatsoi, turnip, carrot, celery, fennel, parsley; onion, leek, green onion, spinach, lettuce, milk thistle and lemon grass.The process according to any one of embodiments 191 to 215, wherein the seeds are seed spices selected from the group consisting of ajwain, carom, alligator pepper, mbongo spice, mbongochobi pepper, hepper pepper, allspice, anise, aniseed myrtle, annatto, borage, black cardamom, black mustard, blue fenugreek, blue melilot, brown mustard, caraway, cardamom, celery seed, clove, coriander seed, cumin, dill seed, fennel, fenugreek, grains of paradise, grains of Selim or Kani pepper, juniper berry, kala zeera, kala jira, black cumin, Kawakawa seeds, keluak, kluwak, kepayang, kikam seed, korarima, Ehiopian cardamon, false cardamom, mace, mahalab, saint Lucie cherry, black mustard seed, brown mustard seed, white mustar deed, yellow mustard seed, nigella, kalonji, black caraway, black onion seed, njangsa, djansang, nutmeg, black pepper seed, green pepper seed, black pepper seed, star anise, sumac, Szechuan pepper, Sichuan pepper, vanilla and wattleseed.The process according to any one of embodiments 191 to 215, wherein the seeds are seeds of crops transplantable from greenhouse to field and selected from the group consisting of basil, bell pepper, broccoflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cantaloupe, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, eggplant, head lettuce, honeydew, muskmelon, onion, radicchio, romaine lettuce, squash, tobacco, tomato and watermelon.The process according to any one of embodiments 191 to 215, wherein the product A is selected from the group consisting of bail, parsley, thyme, coriander, cilantro, marjoram, fennel, dill, cumin, chili, peppers, paprika, bay leaf, onion, garlic, ginger, nettle leaf, oregano, rosemary,spinach, clove, poppy seed, sage, savory, tarragon, turmeric, mustard and mint.The process according to any one of embodiments 191 to 215, wherein the product A is Egyptian basil.The process according to embodiment 1, wherein the pasteurized product B, B1, B2, B3 or B4 or the cooled and pasteurized product B’, BT, B2’, B3’ or B4’ is further subjected to a grinding step (f) to provide a powder or flour thereof.The process according to any one of embodiments 2 to 48, wherein the pasteurized product B or the cooled and pasteurized product B’ is further subjected to a grinding step (f) to provide a powder or flour thereof.The process according to embodiment 49 or 50, wherein the pasteurized product B1, B2, B3 or B4 or the cooled and pasteurized product BT, B2’, B3’ or B4’is further subjected to a grinding step (f) to provide a powder or flour thereof.The process according to any one of embodiments 51 to 96, wherein the pasteurized product B1 or the cooled and pasteurized product BT, is further subjected to a grinding step (f) to provide a powder or flour thereof.The process according to any one of embodiments 97 to 143, wherein the pasteurized product B2 or the cooled and pasteurized product B2’, is further subjected to a grinding step (f) to provide a powder or flour thereof.The process according to any one of embodiments 144 to 190, wherein the pasteurized product B3 or the cooled and pasteurized product B3’, is further subjected to a grinding step (f) to provide a powder or flour thereof.The process according to any one of embodiments 191 to 237, wherein the pasteurized product B4 or the cooled and pasteurized product B4’, is further subjected to a grinding step (f) to provide a powder or flour thereof.A pasteurized product B, B1, B2, B3 or B4 obtained from embodiment 1 and having a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 % and a cfu / g of 500k or less.A cooled and pasteurized product B’, BT, B2’, B3’ or B4’ obtained from embodiment 1 and having a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 % and a cfu / g of 500k or less.A pasteurized product B, obtained from any one of embodiments 2 to 48 and having a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 % and a cfu / g of 500k or less.A cooled and pasteurized product B’, obtained from any one of embodiments 2 to 48 and having a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 % and a cfu / g of 500k or less.A pasteurized product B1, B2, B3 or B4 obtained from embodiment 49 or 50 and having a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 % and a cfu / g of 500k or less.A cooled and pasteurized product BT, B2’, B3’ or B4’ obtained from embodiment 49 or 50 and having a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 % and a cfu / g of 500k or less.A pasteurized product B1 obtained from any one of embodiments 51 to 96 and having a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 % and a cfu / g of 500k or less.A cooled and pasteurized product BT obtained from any one of embodiments 51 to 96 and having a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 % and a cfu / g of 500k or less.A pasteurized product B2 obtained from any one of embodiments 97 to 143 and having a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 % and a cfu / g of 500k or less.A cooled and pasteurized product B2’ obtained from any one of embodiments 97 to 143 and having a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 % and a cfu / g of 500k or less.A pasteurized product B3 obtained from any one of embodiments 144 to 190 and having a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 % and a cfu / g of 500k or less.A cooled and pasteurized product B3’ obtained from any one of embodiments 144 to 190 and having a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 % and a cfu / g of 500k or less.A pasteurized product B4 obtained from any one of embodiments 191 to 237 and having a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 % and a cfu / g of 500k or less.A cooled and pasteurized product B4’ obtained from any one of embodiments 191 to 237 and having a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 % and a cfu / g of 500k or less.A powder or flour the pasteurized product B, B1, B2, B3 or B4 or the cooled and pasteurized product B’, BT, B2’, B3’ or B4’, having a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 %, and a cfu / g of 500k / g or less, said powder or flour being obtained from the process defined in embodiment 238.A powder or flour the pasteurized product B or the cooled and pasteurized product B’, having a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 %, and a cfu / g of 500k / g or less, said powder or flour being obtained from the process defined in embodiment 239.A powder or flour the pasteurized product B1, B2, B3 or B4 or the cooled and pasteurized product BT, B2’, B3’ or B4’, having a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 %, and a cfu / g of 500k / g or less, said powder or flour being obtained from the process defined in embodiment 240.A powder or flour the pasteurized product B1 or the cooled and pasteurized product BT, having a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 %, and a cfu / g of 500k / g or less, said powder or flour being obtained from the process defined in embodiment 241.A powder or flour the pasteurized product B2 or the cooled and pasteurized product B2’, having a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 %, and a cfu / g of 500k / g or less, said powder or flour being obtained from the process defined in embodiment 242.A powder or flour the pasteurized product B3 or the cooled and pasteurized product B3’, having a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 %, and a cfu / g of 500k / g or less, said powder or flour being obtained from the process defined in embodiment 243.A powder or flour the pasteurized product B4 or the cooled and pasteurized product B4’, having a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 %, and a cfu / g of 500k / g or less, said powder or flour being obtained from the process defined in embodiment 244.A process for pasteurizing a product having an initial load of at least one pathogenic agent, the process comprising:(a) contacting an aqueous solution comprising peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide with the product to obtain a mixture ; and(b) contacting the mixture with at least a first flow of steam and hot air at a temperature of between about 200°F and about 270°F and obtain a pasteurized product which is depleted in moisture, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide.The process of embodiment 266, wherein the at least first flow of steam and hot air comprises between about 5 % to about 95% steam, and between about 95% and about 5 % hot air by volume.The process of embodiment 266 or 267, wherein the at least first flow of steam and hot air comprises about 95 % steam and about 5 % hot air by volume.The process of any one of embodiments 266 to 268, wherein the at least first flow of steam and hot air has a volumetric airflow of about 500 CFM. The process of any one of embodiments 266 to 269, wherein the at least first flow of steam and hot air has a mass flow rate of between about 100 Ib / hr to about 1 ,000 Ib / hr.The process of any one of embodiments 266 to 270, wherein the at least first flow of steam and hot air has a mass flow rate of between about 100 Ib / h and about 700 Ib / hr, and preferably between about 300 Ib / hr and about 600 Ib / hr.The process of any one of embodiments 266 to 271, further comprising contacting the mixture with at least a first flow of hot hair at a temperature of between about 200°F to 270°F to obtain a mixture depleted in moisture.The process of embodiment 272, wherein contacting the mixture with the at least first flow of hot hair is:i) before b);ii) after b); oriii) before b) and after b).The process of embodiment 272 or 273, wherein the process comprises contacting the mixture with the at least first flow of hot air before b), and b) comprises contacting the mixture with a first and a second flow of steam and hot air.The process of embodiment 274, wherein contacting the mixture with the at least first flow of hot air is at a temperature of about 265°F and contacting the mixture with the first and second flow of steam and hot air is at a temperature of between about 230°F and about 240°F.The process of any one of embodiments 272 to 275, wherein the at least first flow of hot air has a volumetric airflow of about 500 CFM.The process of any one of embodiments 266 to 276, wherein contacting the mixture with the at least first flow of steam and hot air is for between about 1 minute and 10 minutes.The process of any one of embodiments 266 to 277, further comprising contacting the pasteurized product with at least a first flow of ambient air to cool the pasteurized product after b).The process of embodiment 278, wherein the at least first flow of ambient air has a volumetric airflow of about 500 CFM.The process of any one of embodiments 266 to 279, wherein the pasteurized product has:i) a moisture content of between about 0.8 % and about 15%; ii) a cfu / g of 500 k / g or less;iii) a log reduction of microbial count of between about 4 and about 6, preferably of about 5, relative to an untreated product; iv) a water activity (Aw) of between about 0.2 and about 0.3; or v) any combination of i) - iv).The process of any one of embodiments 266 to 280, wherein the pasteurized product is substantially free of the peracetic acid and / or the hydrogen peroxide.The process of any one of embodiments 266 to 281 , wherein contacting the aqueous solution with the product is for a period of between about 20 seconds and about 240 seconds.The process of any one of embodiments 266 to 282, wherein the aqueous solution comprises:(i) about 0.1 wt.% to about 0.8 wt.% of peracetic acid;(ii) about 0.5 wt.% to about 4.0 wt.% of hydrogen peroxide; and(iii) water.The process of embodiment 283, wherein the aqueous solution further comprises acetic acid, sulfuric acid, and / or at least one additive.The process of any one of embodiments 266 to 284, wherein the aqueous solution further comprises at least one solvent selected from a glycol ether, a propylene glycol, an ethylene glycol and an alcohol of formula ROH, wherein R is a linear Ci-Ce alkyl or a branched C3-C6 alkyl. The process of embodiment 285, wherein the at least one solvent represents about 1 wt.% to about 40 wt.% of the total weight of the aqueous solution.The process of any one of embodiments 266 to 286, wherein the aqueous solution is contacted with the product at a rate of 25 to 400 liters per metric ton of the product.The process of any one of embodiments 266 to 287, wherein the at least one pathogenic agent is a bacteria, a fungi, a yeast or a mold.The process according to any one of embodiments 266 to 288, wherein the at least one pathogenic agent is a bacteria.The process according to embodiment 289, wherein the bacteria are from a Salmonella ssp., E.coli spp., Listeria spp., or are Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens, Staphylococcus aureus, or E.faecium.The process of embodiment 289 or 290, wherein the bacteria are E. faecium.The process of any one of embodiments 266 to 292, wherein the product is at least one of an herb, a vegetables, a spice, a seed, or parts or fragments thereof.The process of embodiment 292, wherein the seed is a cereal, pseudocereal, nut, nut-like gymnosperm seed, bean, seed for sprouting, seed spice, or seed of a crop transplantable from greenhouse to field. The process of embodiment 292, wherein the seed is a seed of barley, fonio, maize (com), pearl millet, oats, palmer's grass, rice, rye, sorghum, spelt, teff, triticale, wheat or wild rice.The process of embodiment 292, wherein the seed is a seed of grass, maize, wheat or rice.The process of embodiment 292, wherein the seed is a seed of breadnut, buckwheat, cattail, chia, flax, grain amaranth, kaniwa, pitseed goosefoot, quinoa or wattleseed (also called acacia seed).The process of embodiment 292, wherein the seed is a nut selected from almond, beech, brazil nut, candlenut, cashew, chestnut, coconut, colocynth, Cucurbita ficifolia, filbert, Gevuina avellana, hickory Terminalia catappa, hazelnut, Indian beech, kola nut, macadamia, Malabar chestnut, pistachio, mamoncillo, maya nut, mongongo, oak acorns, ogbono nut, paradise nut, pili nut, walnut and water caltrop.The process of embodiment 292, wherein the seed is a nut selected from almonds, coconuts, peanuts and cashews.The process of embodiment 292, wherein the seed is a nut-like gymnosperm seed selected from cycads, ginkgo, Gnetum gnemon, juniper, monkey-puzzle, pine nuts, and podocarps.The process of embodiment 292, wherein the seed is a seed of cempedak, coffee, egusi, euryale ferox (fox nut), fluted pumpkin, hemp seed, jackfruit, lotus seed, Malabar gourd, pumpkin seed, sunflower seed, sesame seed and Tahini.The process of embodiment 292, wherein the seed is a seed of bambara groundnut, chickpeas, cowpeas, dry beans, fava or broad beans, hyacinth bean, lablab, lentils, lupins, Moringa oleifera, peas, peanuts, pigeon peas, sterculia, velvet beans, winged beans, yam beans and soybeans.The process of embodiment 292, wherein the seed is a seed for sprouting selected from alfalfa, clover, fenugreek, lentil, pea, chickpea, mung bean and soybean; oat, wheat, maize (corn), rice, barley, rye, kamut, quinoa, amaranth and buckwheat; oilseeds, brassicas, crucifers, broccoli, cabbage, watercress, mustard, mizuna, radish, daikon (kaiware), rocket (arugula), tatsoi, turnip, carrot, celery, fennel, parsley, onion, leek, green onion, spinach, lettuce, milk thistle and lemon grass.The process of embodiment 292, wherein the seed is a seed spice selected from ajwain, carom, alligator pepper, mbongo spice, mbongochobi pepper, hepper pepper, allspice, anise, aniseed myrtle, annatto, borage, black cardamom, black mustard, blue fenugreek, blue melilot, brown mustard, caraway, cardamom, celery seed, clove, coriander seed, cumin, dill seed, fennel, fenugreek, grains of paradise, grains of Selim or Kani pepper, juniper berry, kala zeera, kala jira, black cumin, Kawakawa seeds, keluak, kluwak, kepayang, kikam seed, korarima, Ehiopian cardamon, false cardamom, mace, mahalab, saint Lucie cherry, black mustard seed, brown mustard seed, white mustar deed, yellow mustard seed, nigella, kalonji, black caraway, black onion seed, njangsa, djansang, nutmeg, black pepper seed, green pepper seed, black pepper seed, star anise, sumac, Szechuan pepper, Sichuan pepper, vanilla and wattleseed.The process of embodiment 292, wherein the seed is a seed of a crop transplantable from greenhouse to field and is selected from basil, bell pepper, broccoflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cantaloupe, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, eggplant, head lettuce, honeydew, muskmelon, onion, radicchio, romaine lettuce, squash, tobacco, tomato and watermelon.The process of embodiment 292, wherein the product is basil, parsley, thyme, coriander, cilantro, marjoram, fennel, dill, cumin, chili, peppers, paprika, bay leaf, onion, garlic, ginger, nettle leaf, oregano, rosemary, spinach, clove, poppy seed, sage, savory, tarragon, turmeric, mustard or mint.The process of embodiment 292, wherein the product is an onion, basil, or a cayenne pepper.pasteurized product, a powder or a flour thereof obtained by a process as defined in any one of embodiment 266 to 306 having:i) a moisture content of between about 0.8 % and about 15%; ii) a cfu / g of 500 k / g or less;iii) a log reduction of microbial count of between about 4 and about 6, preferably of about 5, relative to an untreated product; iv) a water activity (Aw) of between about 0.2 and about 0.3; or v) any combination of i) - iv).308. A pasteurized product, a powder or a flour thereof having:i) a moisture content of between about 0.8 % and about 15%; ii) a cfu / g of 500 k / g or less;iii) a log reduction of microbial count of between about 4 and about 6, preferably of about 5, relative to an untreated product; iv) a water activity (Aw) of between about 0.2 and about 0.3; or v) any combination of i) - iv).309. A system for pasteurizing a product having an initial load of at least one pathogenic agent, the system comprising components as defined in any one of the previous claims and / or as defined herein to perform the process as defined in any one of the previous claims and / or as defined herein.Definitions

[0031] Headings, and other identifiers, e.g., (a), (b), (i), (ii), etc., are presented merely for ease of reading the specification and claims. The use of headings or other identifiers in the specification or claims does not necessarily require the steps or elements be performed in alphabetical or numerical order or the order in which they are presented.

[0032] The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and / or the specification may mean “one” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more”, “at least one”, and “one or more than one”.

[0033] As used in this specification and claim(s), the words “comprising” (and any form of comprising, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having” (and any form of having, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and any form of including, such as “includes” and “include”) or “containing” (and any form of containing, such as “contains” and “contain”) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[0034] The term “about” is used to indicate that a value includes the standard deviation of error for the device or method being employed in order to determine the value. In general, the terminology “about” is meant to designate a possible variation of up to 10%. Therefore, a variation of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10% of a value is included in the term “about”. Unless indicated otherwise, use of the term “about” before a range applies to both ends of the range.

[0035] As used herein a product “depleted in peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide” refers to a product in which residual peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide levels are reduced compared to a product which has been treated with peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide and not further treated with steam and hot air, as measured by standard analytical methods. As used herein a product which is “substantially free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide” is a product in which residual peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide are below the detection limits of standard analytical methods, for example, at <10 ppm for each.Brief description of the drawings

[0036] Various other aspects of the technology will be described hereinafter with reference to the following drawings:Fig. 1a to 1c represent a schematic view of a system used to carry out a variant A of the process according to the present technology.Fig. 2a to 2d represent a schematic view of a system used to carry out a variant B of the process according to the present technology, along with a mill.Fig. 3 represents a schematic view of a system used to carry out a variant C of the process according to the present technology.Fig. 4 represents a schematic view of a system used to carry out a variant D of the process according to the present technology, along with a mill.Fig. 5 represents a schematic view of a system used to carry out a variant E of the process according to the present technology.Fig. 6 represents a schematic view of a system used to carry out a variant F of the process according to the present technology, along with a mill.Fig. 7 represents a schematic view of a system used to carry out a variant G of the process according to the present technology.Fig. 8 represents a schematic view of a system used to carry out a variant H of the process according to the present technology, along with a mill.Fig. 9 represents a schematic view of a system used to carry out a variant I of the process according to the present technology.Fig. 10 represents a schematic view of a system used to carry out a variant J of the process according to the present technology, along with a mill.Fig. 11a and 11b represent a schematic view of a system used to carry out a variant K of the process according to the present technology.Fig. 12 represents a schematic view of a fluidized-bed dryer used to carry out a variant L of the process according to the present technology.Fig. 13 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the fluidized-bed dryer of Fig.12.

[0037] Various preferred aspects of the technology will be described hereinafter with reference to the following variants A to L.Variant A

[0038] With reference to Fig. 1a to 1c, there are illustrated various components of a lab scale system 1 allowing to carry out a variant A of the process according to the present technology. Also, according to other aspects of the technology, some optional alternatives and / or preferred embodiments of said system 1 are described below.

[0039] The system 1 comprises a spinning mixing drum 11 and a first fluidized-bed dryer 71 and a second fluidized-bed dryer 71a. The spinning mixing drum 11, the fluidized-bed dryer 71 and the fluidized-bed dryer 71a are common commercial devices well known to person skilled in the art and do not need to be defined with extensive detail.

[0040] The spinning mixing drum 11 is provided with an inlet 15, an inlet 17 and an outlet 19. The inlet 15 is in fluid communication with a source 13 of a product A to be treated. Said product A has an initial load of at least one pathogenic agent. The product A may be selected from the group consisting of whole seeds, whole spices, whole herbs, parts of seeds, parts of spices, parts of herbs, fragments of seeds, fragments of spices, fragments of herbs, and mixtures thereof.

[0041] The spinning mixing drum 11 may be fed with a desired amount of the product A by any appropriated means, via the inlet 15. Said appropriated means may be selected amongst any one well known to person skilled in the art. As an example, said appropriated means may comprise bowls, pails or recipients for manually transferring the product A from the source 13 to the spinning mixing drum 11 via the inlet 15. Alternatively, said appropriate means may comprise a conveyor or as illustrated in Fig. 1a, a piping 14 comprising a blower 16. Said conveyor or piping 14 are in fluid communication with an outlet of the source 13 and the inlet 15, for transferring a flow 21 of the product A corresponding to the determined amount of the product A in the spinning mixing drum 11 via the inlet 15.

[0042] Also, the spinning mixing drum 11 may be fed with a determined amount of an aqueous solution of the peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide by any appropriated means, via the inlet 17. The aqueous solution of the peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide may originate from a source 23 of said aqueous solution. Said appropriated means may be selected amongst any one well known to person skilled in the art. Asan example, said appropriated means may comprise bowls, pails or recipients for manually transferring the appropriate amount of the aqueous solution of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide to the spinning mixing drum 11 via the inlet 17. Alternatively said appropriated means may comprise as illustrated in Fig. 1a, a piping 20 and a pump 22 (e.g. a dosing pump). Said piping 20 is in fluid communication with an outlet of the source 23 and the inlet 17, for transferring a flow 25 of the aqueous solution corresponding to the determined amount the aqueous solution of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Also, according to another embodiment, the inlet 17 may be further provided with sprinklers (not illustrated) to improve dispersion of the flow 25 of the aqueous solution against the product A to be treated.

[0043] When aforesaid appropriated means for the product A comprises the piping 14 and the blower 16, and aforesaid appropriated means for the aqueous solution comprises the piping 20 and the pump 22, both flows 21 and 25 are mixed together to provide a flow 27 of a mixture M of the product A to be treated and the aqueous solution of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, flowing through the outlet 19.

[0044] After a determined mixing time, a flow 27 of a mixture M is formed within the spinning mixing drum 11, and collected at the outlet 19. The mixture M comprises the product A to be treated and the aqueous solution of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. The mixture M may be collected into any appropriate recipients (e.g. one or several bowls, pails, recipients) and then manually transferred to the fluidized bed dryer 71 via an inlet 73. Alternatively, the flow 27 of the mixture M may be (i) collected by a conveyor and conveyed by any appropriate means to the inlet 73 of the fluidized bed dryer 71; or (ii) allowed to drop (preferably via a chute) in the inlet 73 of the fluidized bed dryer 71. Optionally, the inlet 73 may be at a 45° angle to ease collecting the mixture M flowing out the outlet 19, and subjected to vibrations (e.g. 45 to 65Hz) to assist the flow 27 of the mixture M (which occasionally may be a sticky mixture) to fall into the fluidized bed dryer 71. Vibrations may be generated by any appropriate vibration generators well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail.

[0045] The fluid-bed dryer 71 is provided with the inlet 73 and an outlet 75. The mixture M falls onto a grid 95 and a flow 74 of said the mixture M flows toward the outlet 75. According to a preferred aspect of the technology, the grid 95 is in fluid communication with the inlet 73 and the outlet 75, and is slightly inclined (and optionally subjected to vibrations varying from 45 to 65Hz) to ease the mixture M flowing onto the grid 95 toward the outlet 75. Alternatively, according to another preferred embodiment, the grid 95 is level (and optionally subjected to vibration varying from 45 to 65Hz). Preferably, a constant infeed of the fluidized bed dryer 71 may help to convey the flow 74 of the mixture M flowing on the grid 95 from the inlet 73 toward the outlet 75. Again, vibrations may be generated by any appropriate vibration generators well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail.

[0046] Also, according to another embodiment, to help controlling the period of time the flow 74 flows on the grid 95, the fluid-bed dryer 71 may be provided with one or several weirs (now illustrated), preferably four weirs, which are movable from a down position stopping the flow 74, to a up position allowing the flow 74 to move toward the outlet 75. The feed rate of the mixture M may be preferably kept constant. Said weirs may be cycle in unison. Such weirs are common with fluidized bed dryer, well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail.

[0042] The fluidized-bed dryer 71 is further provided with a hot air generator comprising a source of hot air 83, a steam generator comprising a source of steam 85, and a blower 91; and a hood 94 for collecting and evacuating via a conduit 97 a flow 98 comprising air, humidity, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Also, according to a preferred aspect of the technology, at least one Resistance Thermometer Detector (RTD) (not illustrated) may be positioned just under the grid 95 to measure the temperature of the mixture M flowing on the grid 95. Resistance Thermometer Detectors are well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail.

[0047] The source of hot air 83 or and the source of steam 85 are in fluid communication with the blower 91 which generates a flow 92 passing through at least a portion of the grid 95 and the mixture M flowing onto the grid 95.

[0048] More particularly, according to a preferred aspect of the technology, the hot air generator may comprise a source of ambient air and heating means for heating the air and comprising a heat exchanger (both not illustrated) for heating ambient air and providing a flow of hot air. The heat exchanger may comprise direct fire or alternatively an indirect fire, a steam or an electric heating. Also, a speed / cfm output of the blower 91 may be controlled via a variable frequency drive (VFD). This speed / cfm may be set manually based on the nature of different products to be treated and stored in a recipe of the system for repeatability.

[0049] The temperature of the hot air may be controlled by any appropriate means well known to persons skilled in the art. Preferably, temperature of the hot air is controlled by at least one RTD that is positioned under the grid 95. Preferably, the temperature set point is determined through testing and like the blower speed / CFM, and is set in the recipe. Preferably, the system monitors the temperature with the at least one RTD and supplies more or less heat via the heat exchanger to achieve the desired temperature at which the mixture M is to be subjected.

[0050] More particularly, according to another preferred embodiment, the mixture of hot air and steam, is obtained by admixing steam originating from the source of steam 85 (e.g. a boiler) by a damper valve 86 (e.g. a manual damper valve) that is positioned down stream of the blower 91. According to another preferred embodiment, a differential pressure gauge (not illustrated) such as the one sold under the trademark Magnehelic™ may be further provided to measure the air flow and provide feed back to the operator to accurately position the damper valve 86 for the correct amount of air.

[0051] According to another preferred embodiment, there will be a one time set up. The steam is controlled in both volume flow rate and temperature. For controlling the volume flow rate there is preferably further provide a flow valve (now illustrated) that sets the desired flow rate.

[0052] According to another preferred embodiment, there is at least one RTD that measures the temperature of the steam to ensure the system is running at the desired temperature. If the temperature is too low the system will increase the pressure and therefore the temperature. If the temperature is too high the system will decrease the pressure and therefore the temperature.

[0053] The flow 92 may be either (i) a flow of a mixture of steam and hot air, or (ii) successively a flow of hot air and then a flow of a mixture of steam and hot air, to further activate the remaining peracetic acid and the hydrogen peroxide, and to provide at the outlet 75 a pasteurized product B depleted in peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide (preferably substantially free or more preferably free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide) and having a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 % and a cfu / g of 500k or less. According to another embodiment, in addition to the synergistic activity of steam with the peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, steam contribute to reduce / control the humidity drop of the pasteurized product B.

[0054] The product B may be either collected at the outlet 75 by any appropriate means (e.g. one or several bowls, pails or recipients) and then manually transferred to the fluidized bed dryer 71a via an inlet 73a. Alternatively, the flow of the product B may be (i) collected at the outlet 75 by any appropriate means (e.g. a conveyor) and conveyed to the inlet 73a of the fluidized bed dryer 71a; or (ii) allowed to fall via any appropriate means (e.g. a chute) in the inlet 73a of the fluidized bed dryer 71a.

[0055] The fluidized-bed dryer 71a is further provided with an air generator comprising a source of ambient air 87a, and a blower 91a, generating a flow 92a of ambient air for colling a flow 74a of the product B flowing on the grid 95a, and a hood 94a for collecting and evacuating via a conduit 97a, a flow 98a comprising the heat and the air having passed through the grid 95a and the product B.

[0056] According to a preferred aspect of the technology, the grid 95a is in fluid communication with the inlet 73a and the outlet 75a, and may be slightly inclined (and optionally subjected to vibrations varying from 45 to 65Hz ) to ease the product B flowing onto the grid 95a toward the outlet 75a. Alternatively, according to another preferred embodiment, the grid 95a is level (and optionally subjected to vibrationvarying from 45 to 65Hz), and a constant infeed of the fluidized bed dryer 71a conveys the flow 74a of the product B flowing on the grid 95a from the inlet 73a toward the outlet 75a. Again, vibrations may be generated by any appropriate vibration generators well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail.

[0057] The source of ambient air 87a is in fluid communication with the blower 91a which generates a flow 92a of said ambient air at an ambient temperature (e.g. 20°C). Said flow 92a passes through the grid 95 and the product B flowing onto the grid 95a, to provide at the outlet 75a a cooled and pasteurized product B’ substantially free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide (preferably free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide) and having a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 % and a cfu / g of 500k or less.

[0058] According to an alternative aspect, when the process is a batch process, the fluidized bed dryer 71 may be cleaned and then transformed in an equivalent of the fludized bed dryer 71a. In such a case, the source of hot air and the source of steam are shut down, and only ambient air is flowing through the blower 91 to provide a flow 92 of ambient air (equivalent to the flow 91a).

[0059] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the flow 92 of hot air may vary within large limits. More preferably, said flow 92 of hot air may be 500 CFM.

[0060] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the flow 92a of ambient air may vary within large limits. More preferably, said flow 92a of ambient may be 500 CFM.

[0061] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the flow 92 of the mixture of hot air and steam may vary within large limits. More preferably, said flow 92 of the mixture of hot air and steam may be 500 CFM.

[0062] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the mixture of hot air and steam may comprise comprises: 5 % to 95 % steam; and 95 % to 5 % hot air. More preferably, the mixture of steam and hot air may comprise 95 % steam and 5 % hot air.

[0063] With reference to Fig. 1a to 1c, a preferred aspect of the variant A relates to a process for pasteurizing the product A having an initial load of at least one pathogenic agent. Said process of the variant A may comprise the steps:(a) Feeding the flow 21 of a determine amount of the product A from the source 13 and the flow 25 of a determined amount of the aqueous solution from the source 23, in the spinning mixing drum 11, via respectively the inlets 15 and 17, and contacting the aqueous solution with the product A for a mixing time a varying from 20 seconds to 240 seconds, to obtain at the outlet 19 a flow 27 of the mixture M of the aqueous solution and the product A.(b) Transferring the mixture M obtained from step (a) in the fluidized bed dryer 71 via the inlet 73 (which is optionally subjected to vibration varying in a range of 45 to 65 Hz).(c) Flowing the flow 74 of the mixture M onto the grid 95 toward the outlet 75 for a period of time varying from 1 minute to 10 minutes. The mixture M flowing onto the grid 95 is contacted with the flow 92 passing through at least a portion of the grid 95. Said flow 92 is (i) a flow of steam and hot air or (ii) successively a flow of hot air and then a flow of steam and hot air, to dry the mixture M, achieve a further pasteurisation of the mixture M, maintain a temperature of the product M from 200°F to 270°F and obtain at the outlet 75 a pasteurized product B which is depleted in peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide (preferably substantially free or more preferably free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide) and having a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 % and a cfu / g of 500k or less.(d) Optionally transferring the pasteurized product B obtained from step (c) in the second fluidized bed dryer 71a. Flowing the flow 74a of the product B onto the grid 95a toward the outlet 75a for a period of time varying from 1 minute to 10 minutes. The product B flowing onto the grid 95a is contacted with a flow 92a of ambient air passing trough at least aportion of the grid 95a, to cool the product B and obtain at the outlet 75a a cooled and pasteurized product B’.(e) Recovering from step (c) the pasteurized product B or from step (d) the cooled and pasteurized product B’, having• a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15%, and• a cfu / g of 500k / g or less.

[0064] The moisture content and the pasteurisation level of the pasteurized product B or the cooled and pasteurized product B’ may be determined by usual quality control tests which are well known to persons skilled in the art. As an example, the measure of cfu / g may be obtained according to BAM method and plating may be completed using 3M aerobic count petrifilms.

[0065] According to another aspect of the variant A, one or more of steps (a) and (e) may be carried out as a batch step. More particularly, concerning steps (c) and (d) the pasteurized product B is collected and stored into recipients, bowls or pails, the fluidized bed dryer 71 is cleaned, the blower 91 is connected to a source of ambient air, and then operated as the fluidized bed dryer 71a to provide the cooled and pasteurized product B’.

[0066] According to another preferred aspect, the Applicant surprisingly discovered that according to the present technology, it is possible to obtain a pasteurized product B or a cooled and pasteurized product B’ which is substantially free of peracetic acid (PAA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) because PAA and H2O2 decomposes after controlling the targeted at least one pathogenic agent. According to another preferred aspect of the technology, eventual residues of PAA and H2O2 are negligible and in most cases undetected and / or are below 10 ppm H2O2 and 10 ppm PAA.Variant B

[0067] With reference to Fig. 2a to 2d, there are illustrated various components of a lab scale system 101 allowing to carry out a variant B of the process according to thetechnology. Also, according to other aspects of the technology, some optional alternatives and / or preferred embodiments of said system 101 are described below.

[0068] The system 101 comprises a spinning mixing drum 111 and a first fluidized-bed dryer 171 and a second fluidized-bed dryer 171a. The spinning mixing drum 111, the fluidized-bed dryer 171 and the fluidized-bed dryer 171a are common commercial devices well known to person skilled in the art and do not need to be defined with extensive detail.

[0069] The spinning mixing drum 111 is provided with an inlet 115, an inlet 117 and an outlet 119. The inlet 115 is in fluid communication with a source 113 of a product A to be treated. Said product A has an initial load of at least one pathogenic agent. The product A may be selected from the group consisting of whole seeds, whole spices, whole herbs, parts of seeds, parts of spices, parts of herbs, fragments of seeds, fragments of spices, fragments of herbs, and mixtures thereof.

[0070] The spinning mixing drum 111 may be fed with a desired amount of the product A by any appropriated means, via the inlet 115. Said appropriated means may be selected amongst any one well known to person skilled in the art. As an example, said appropriated means may comprise bowls, pails or recipients for manually transferring the product A from the source 113 to the spinning mixing drum 111 via the inlet 115. Alternatively, said appropriate means may comprise a conveyor or as illustrated in Fig. 2a, a piping 114 comprising a blower 116. Said conveyor or piping 114 are in fluid communication with an outlet of the source 113 and the inlet 115, for transferring a flow 121 of the product A corresponding to the determined amount of the product A in the spinning mixing drum 111 via the inlet 115.

[0071] Also, the spinning mixing drum 111 may be fed with a determined amount of an aqueous solution of the peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide by any appropriated means, via the inlet 117. The aqueous solution of the peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide may originate from a source 123 of said aqueous solution. Said appropriated means may be selected amongst any one well known to person skilled in the art. As an example, said appropriated means may comprise bowls, pails or recipients for manually transferring the appropriate amount of the aqueous solution ofperacetic acid and hydrogen peroxide to the spinning mixing drum 111 via the inlet 117. Alternatively said appropriated means may comprise as illustrated in Fig. 2a, a piping 120 and a pump 122 (e.g. a dosing pump). Said piping 120 is in fluid communication with an outlet of the source 123 and the inlet 117, for transferring a flow 125 of the aqueous solution corresponding to the determined amount the aqueous solution of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Also, according to another embodiment, the inlet 117 may be further provided with sprinklers (not illustrated) to improve dispersion of the flow 125 of the aqueous solution against the product A to be treated.

[0072] When aforesaid appropriated means for the product A comprises the piping 114 and the blower 116, and aforesaid appropriated means for the aqueous solution comprises the piping 120 and the pump 122, both flows 121 and 125 are mixed together to provide a flow 127 of a mixture M of the product A to be treated and the aqueous solution of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide.

[0073] After a determined mixing time, the flow 127 is collected at the outlet 119. The mixture M comprises the product A to be treated and the aqueous solution of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. The mixture M may be collected into any appropriate recipients (e.g. one or several bowls, pails, recipients) and then manually transferred to the fluidized bed dryer 171 via an inlet 173. Alternatively, the flow 127 of the mixture M may be (i) collected by a conveyor and conveyed by any appropriate means to the inlet 173 of the fluidized bed dryer 171; or (ii) allowed to drop (preferably via a chute) in the inlet 173 of the fluidized bed dryer 171. Optionally, the inlet 173 may be at a 45° angle to ease collecting the mixture M flowing out the outlet 119, and subjected to vibrations (e.g. 45 to 65Hz) to assist the flow 127 of the mixture M (which occasionally may be a sticky mixture) to fall into the fluidized bed dryer 171. Vibrations may be generated by any appropriate vibration generators well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail.

[0074] The fluid-bed dryer 171 is provided with the inlet 173 and an outlet 175. The mixture M falls onto a grid 195 and a flow 174 of said the mixture M flows toward the outlet 175. According to a preferred aspect of the technology, the grid 195 is influid communication with the inlet 173 and the outlet 175, and is slightly inclined (and optionally subjected to vibrations varying from 45 to 65Hz) to ease the mixture M flowing onto the grid 195 toward the outlet 175. Alternatively, according to another preferred embodiment, the grid 195 is level (and optionally subjected to vibration varying from 45 to 65Hz). Preferably, a constant infeed of the fluidized bed dryer 171 may help to convey the flow 174 of the mixture M flowing on the grid 195 from the inlet 173 toward the outlet 175. Again, vibrations may be generated by any appropriate vibration generators well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail.

[0075] Also, according to another embodiment, to help controlling the period of time the flow 174 flows on the grid 195, the fluid-bed dryer 171 may be provided with one or several weirs (now illustrated), preferably four weirs, which are movable from a down position stopping the flow 174, to a up position allowing the flow 174 to move toward the outlet 175. The feed rate of the mixture M may be preferably kept constant. Said weirs may be cycle in unison. Such weirs are common with fluidized bed dryer, well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail.

[0076] The fluidized-bed dryer 171 is further provided with a hot air generator comprising a source of hot air 183, a steam generator comprising a source of steam 185, and a blower 191; and a hood 194 for collecting and evacuating via a conduit 197 a flow 198 comprising air, humidity, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Also, according to a preferred aspect of the technology, at least one Resistance Thermometer Detector (RTD) (not illustrated) may be positioned just under the grid 195 to measure the temperature of the mixture M flowing on the grid 195. Resistance Thermometer Detectors are well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail.

[0077] The source of hot air 183 or and the source of steam 185 are in fluid communication with the blower 191 which generates a flow 192 passing through at least a portion of the grid 195 and the mixture M flowing onto the grid 195.

[0078] More particularly, according to a preferred aspect of the technology, the hot air generator may comprise a source of ambient air and heating means for heating the air and comprising a heat exchanger (both not illustrated) for heating ambient air and providing a flow of hot air. The heat exchanger may comprise direct fire or alternatively an indirect fire, a steam or an electric heating. Also, a speed / cfm output of the blower 191 may be controlled via a variable frequency drive (VFD). This speed / cfm may be set manually based on the nature of different products to be treated and stored in a recipe of the system for repeatability.

[0079] The temperature of the hot air may be controlled by any appropriate means well known to persons skilled in the art. Preferably, temperature of the hot air is controlled by at least one RTD that is positioned under the grid 195. Preferably, the temperature set point is determined through testing and like the blower speed / CFM, and is set in the recipe. Preferably, the system monitors the temperature with the at least one RTD and supplies more or less heat via the heat exchanger to achieve the desired temperature at which the mixture M is to be subjected.

[0080] More particularly, according to another preferred embodiment, the mixture of hot air and steam, is obtained by admixing steam originating from the source of steam 185 (e.g. a boiler) by a damper valve 186 (e.g. a manual damper valve) that is positioned down stream of the blower 191. According to another preferred embodiment, a differential pressure gauge (not illustrated) such as the one sold under the trademark Magnehelic™ may be further provided to measure the air flow and provide feed back to the operator to accurately position the damper valve 186 for the correct amount of air.

[0081] According to another preferred embodiment, there will be a one time set up. The steam is controlled in both volume flow rate and temperature. For controlling the volume flow rate there is preferably further provide a flow valve (now illustrated) that sets the desired flow rate.

[0082] According to another preferred embodiment, there is at least one RTD that measures the temperature of the steam to ensure the system is running at the desired temperature. If the temperature is too low the system will increase the pressure andtherefore the temperature. If the temperature is too high the system will decrease the pressure and therefore the temperature.

[0083] The flow 192 may be either (i) a flow of a mixture of steam and hot air, or (ii) successively a flow of hot air and then a flow of a mixture of steam and hot air, to further activate the remaining peracetic acid and the hydrogen peroxide, and to provide at the outlet 175 a pasteurized product B depleted in peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide (preferably substantially free or more preferably free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide) and having a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 % and a cfu / g of 500k or less. According to another embodiment, in addition to the synergistic activity of steam with the peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, steam contribute to reduce / control the humidity drop of the pasteurized product B.

[0084] The product B may be either collected at the outlet 175 by any appropriate means (e.g. one or several bowls, pails or recipients) and then manually transferred to the fluidized bed dryer 171a via an inlet 173a. Alternatively, the flow of the product B may be (i) collected at the outlet 175 by any appropriate means (e.g. a conveyor) and conveyed to the inlet 173a of the fluidized bed dryer 171a; or (ii) allowed to fall via any appropriate means (e.g. a chute) in the inlet 173a of the fluidized bed dryer 171a.

[0085] The fluidized-bed dryer 171a is further provided with an air generator comprising a source of ambient air 187a, and a blower 191a, generating a flow 192a of ambient air for colling a flow 174a of the product B flowing on the grid 195a, and a hood 194a for collecting and evacuating via a conduit 197a, a flow 198a comprising the heat and the air having passed through the grid 195a and the product B.

[0086] According to a preferred aspect of the technology, the grid 195a is in fluid communication with the inlet 173a and the outlet 175a, and may be slightly inclined (and optionally subjected to vibrations varying from 45 to 65Hz ) to ease the product B flowing onto the grid 195a toward the outlet 175a. Alternatively, according to another preferred embodiment, the grid 195a is level (and optionally subjected to vibration varying from 45 to 65Hz), and a constant infeed of the fluidized bed dryer 171a conveys the flow 174a of the product B flowing on the grid 195a from the inlet 173a toward the outlet 175a. Again, vibrations may be generated by any appropriatevibration generators well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail.

[0087] The source of ambient air 187a is in fluid communication with the blower 191a which generates a flow 192a of said ambient air at an ambient temperature (e.g.20°C). Said flow 192a passes through the grid 195 and the product B flowing onto the grid 195a, to provide at the outlet 175a a cooled and pasteurized product B’ substantially free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide (preferably free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide) and having a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 % and a cfu / g of 500k or less.

[0088] According to an alternative aspect, when the process is a batch process, the fluidized bed dryer 171 may be cleaned and then transformed in an equivalent of the fludized bed dryer 171a. In such a case, the source of hot air and the source of steam are shut down, and only ambient air is flowing through the blower 191 to provide a flow 192 of ambient air (equivalent to the flow 191a).

[0089] Also, the system 101 is further provided with a mill 135. The mill 135 is provided with an inlet 133 and an outlet 145. Mills such as the mill 135 are well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail. The pasteurized product B or the cooled and pasteurized product B’ may be collected by any appropriate means (e.g. one or several bowls, pails or recipients) and then manually transferred to the mill 135 via the inlet 133. Alternatively, the flow of the pasteurized product B or the cooled and pasteurized product B’ may be (i) collected at the outlet 175 or 175a by any appropriate means (e.g. a conveyor) and conveyed to the inlet 133 of the mill 135; or (ii) allowed to fall via any appropriate means (e.g. a chute) in the inlet 133 of the mill 135, to provide at the outlet 145 a product C which is a powder or flour of the pasteurized product B or the cooled and pasteurized B’, and having• a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15%, and• a cfu / g of 500k / g or less.

[0090] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the flow 192 of hot air may vary within large limits. More preferably, said flow 192 of hot air may be 500 CFM.

[0091] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the flow 192a of ambient air may vary within large limits. More preferably, said flow 192a of ambient may be 500 CFM.

[0092] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the flow 192 of the mixture of hot air and steam may vary within large limits. More preferably, said flow 192 of the mixture of hot air and steam may be 500 CFM. According to a preferred aspect of the technology, the mixture of hot air and steam may comprise comprises: 5 % to 95 % steam; and 95 % to 5 % hot air. More preferably, the mixture of steam and hot air may comprise 95 % steam and 5 % hot air.

[0093] With reference to Fig. 2a to 2d, a preferred aspect of the variant B relates to a process for pasteurizing the product A having an initial load of at least one pathogenic agent. Said process of the variant B may comprise the steps:(a) Feeding the flow 121 of a determine amount of the product A from the source 113 and the flow 125 of a determined amount of the aqueous solution from the source 123, in the spinning mixing drum 111, via respectively the inlets 115 and 117, and contacting the aqueous solution with the product A for a mixing time a varying from 20 seconds to 240 seconds, to obtain at the outlet 119 a flow 127 of the mixture M of the aqueous solution and the product A.(b) Transferring the mixture M obtained from step (a) in the fluidized bed dryer 171 via the inlet 173 (which is optionally subjected to vibration varying in a range of 45 to 65 Hz).(c) Flowing the flow 174 of the mixture M onto the grid 195 toward the outlet 175 for a period of time varying from 1 minute to 10 minutes. The mixture M flowing onto the grid 95 is contacted with the flow 192 passing through at least a portion of the grid 195. Said flow 192 is (i) a flow of steam and hot air or (ii) successively a flow of hot air and then a flow of steam and hot air, to dry the mixture M, achieve a further pasteurisation of the mixture M, maintain a temperature of the product M from 200°F to 270°F and obtain at the outlet 175 a pasteurized product B which isdepleted in peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide (preferably substantially free or more preferably free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide) and having a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 % and a cfu / g of 500k or less.(d) Optionally transferring the pasteurized product B obtained from step (c) in the second fluidized bed dryer 171a. Flowing the flow 174a of the product B onto the grid 195a toward the outlet 175a for a period of time varying from 1 minute to 10 minutes. The product B flowing onto the grid 195a is contacted with a flow 192a of ambient air passing trough at least a portion of the grid 195a, to cool the product B and obtain at the outlet 175a a cooled and pasteurized product B’.(e) Recovering from step (c) the pasteurized product B or from step (d) the cooled and pasteurized product B’, having• a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15%, and• a cfu / g of 500k / g or less.(f) Subjecting the pasteurized product B obtained from step (e) or the cooled and pasteurized product B’ obtained from step (e) to a milling step, by introducing the pasteurized product B or the cooled and pasteurized product B’ in the mill 135 via the inlet 133 and obtaining at the outlet 145 a product C which is a powder or flour of the product B or B’, and having• a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15%, and• a cfu / g of 500k / g or less.

[0094] The moisture content and the pasteurisation level of the pasteurized product B, the cooled and pasteurized product B’ or the product C may be determined by usual quality control tests which are well known to persons skilled in the art. As an example, the measure of cfu / g may be obtained according to BAM method and plating may be completed using 3M aerobic count petrifilms.

[0095] According to another preferred aspect, the Applicant surprisingly discovered that according to the present technology, it is possible to obtain a pasteurized product B, a cooled and pasteurized product B’ or a product C which is substantially free of peracetic acid (PAA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) because PAA and H2O2 decomposes after controlling the targeted at least one pathogenic agent. According to another preferred aspect of the technology, eventual residues of PAA and H2O2 are negligible and in most cases undetected and / or are below 10 ppm H2O2 and 10 ppm PAA.

[0096] According to another aspect of the variant B, one or several of steps (a) to (f) may be carried out as a batch step. More particularly, concerning steps (b) and (c) the pasteurized product B may be collected and stored into recipients, bowls or pails, the fluidized bed dryer 171 is cleaned, the blower 191 is connected to a source of ambient air (or simply the generator of hot air and the generator of steam are shut down, and then operated as the fluidized bed dryer 171a to provide the cooled and pasteurized product B’.Variant C

[0097] With reference to Fig. 3, there is illustrated a system 201 allowing to carry out a variant C of the process according to the technology. Also, according to other aspects of the technology, some optional alternatives and / or preferred embodiments of said system 201 are described below.

[0098] The system 201 comprises a spinning mixing drum 211 (e.g. a continuous mixer) and a fluidized-bed dryer 271. The spinning mixing drum 211 and the fluidized-bed dryer 271 are common commercial devices well known to person skilled in the art and do not need to be defined in detail.

[0099] The spinning mixing drum 211 is provided with an inlet 215, an inlet 217 and an outlet 219. The inlet 215 is in fluid communication with a source 213 of a product A to be treated. Said product A has an initial load of at least one pathogenic agent. The product A may be selected from the group consisting of whole seeds,whole spices, whole herbs, parts of seeds, parts of spices, parts of herbs, fragments of seeds, fragments of spices, fragments of herbs, and mixtures thereof.

[0100] The spinning mixing drum 211 may be fed with a desired amount of the product A by any appropriated means, via the inlet 215. Said appropriated means may be selected amongst any one well known to person skilled in the art. As an example, said appropriated means may comprise a conveyor or as illustrated in Fig. 3, a piping 214 comprising a blower 216. Said conveyor or piping 214 are in fluid communication with an outlet of the source 213 and the inlet 215, for transferring a flow 221 of the product A corresponding to the determined amount of the product A in the spinning mixing drum 211 via the inlet 215.

[0101] Also, the spinning mixing drum 211 may be fed with a determined amount of the aqueous solution of the peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide by any appropriated means, via the inlet 217. The aqueous solution of the peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide may originate from a source 223 of said aqueous solution. Said appropriated means may be selected amongst any one well known to person skilled in the art. As an example, said appropriated means may comprise a piping 220 and a pump 222 (preferably a dosing pump). Said piping 220 is in fluid communication with an outlet of the source 223 and the inlet 217, for transferring a flow 225 of the aqueous solution corresponding to the determined amount the aqueous solution of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Also, according to another preferred embodiment, the inlet 217 may be further provided with sprinklers (not illustrated) to improve dispersion of the flow 225 of the aqueous solution against the product A to be treated.

[0102] Both flows 221 and 225 are mixed together to provide a flow 227 of the mixture M of the product A to be treated and the aqueous solution of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, flowing through the outlet 219 and feeding (optionally via a chute) the fluidized-bed dryer 271.

[0103] After a determined mixing time, the flow 227 falls (optionally via the chute) in an inlet 273 of the fluidized bed dryer 271, and then on a grid 295 of the fluidized-bed dryer 271 which is further provided with an outlet 275. Optionally, the inlet 273may be at a 45° angle to ease collecting the mixture M flowing out the outlet 219 of the spinning mixing drum 211 and subjected to vibrations (e.g. 45 to 65Hz) to assist the flow of the mixture M (which occasionally may be a sticky mixture) to fall into the fluidized bed dryer 271. Vibrations may be generated by any appropriate vibration generators well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail.

[0104] As mentioned above, the mixture M falls onto the grid 295 and the flow 274 of the mixture M flows toward the outlet 275. According to a preferred aspect of the technology, the grid 295 is in fluid communication with the inlet 273 and the outlet 275, and is slightly inclined (and optionally subjected to vibrations varying from 45 to 65Hz) to ease the mixture M flowing onto the grid 295 toward the outlet 275. Alternatively, according to another preferred embodiment, the grid 295 is level (and optionally subjected to vibration varying from 45 to 65Hz)., According to a preferred aspect of the technology, a constant infeed of the fluidized bed dryer 271 conveys the flow 274 of the mixture M flowing on the grid 295 from the inlet 273 toward the outlet 275. Again, vibrations may be generated by any appropriate vibration generators well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail.

[0105] Also, according to another embodiment, to help controlling the period of time the flow 274 flows on the grid 295, the fluid-bed dryer 271 may be further provided with one or several weirs (not illustrated), preferably four weirs, which are movable from a down position stopping the flow 274, to a up position allowing the flow 274 to move toward the outlet 275. According to a preferred embodiment, the feed rate of the flow 227 of the mixture M may be kept constant. Said weirs may be cycle in unison. According to another preferred embodiment, at least section of the grid 295 may be reversibly closable by the action of at least one of said weirs. Such weirs are common with fluidized bed dryer, well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail.

[0106] According to a preferred embodiment, the mixture M flows on a first portion of the grid 295 toward the outlet 275. The fluidized-bed dryer 275 may be further provided with a hot air generator comprising a source of hot air 283, a steam generatorcomprising a source of steam 285, a source of ambient air 287a, a blower 291 and a blower 293, a hood 294 for collecting and evacuating via a conduit 297 a flow 298 comprising humidity, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Also, according to another aspect of the technology, at least one Resistance Thermometer Detector (RTD) (not illustrated) may be positioned just under the grid 295 to measure the temperature of the mixture M flowing on the grid 295. Resistance Thermometer Detectors are well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail.

[0107] The source of hot air 283 and the source of steam 285 are in fluid communication with the blower 291 which generates a flow 292 of a mixture of hot air and steam passing through a first portion of the grid 295 and a portion of the mixture M flowing on the first portion of the grid 295, to further activate the peracetic acid and the hydrogen peroxide of the mixture M and then provide a product B1 which is depleted in humidity, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide (preferably substantially free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide and more preferably free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide) and has a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 % and a cfu / g of 500k or less.

[0108] More particularly, according to another preferred aspect of the technology, the source of hot air 283 may comprise a source of ambient air and a heat exchanger (both not illustrated) for heating the ambient air and providing a flow of hot air. The heat exchanger may comprise direct fire or alternatively an indirect fire, a steam or an electric heating. Also, preferably, a speed / cfm output of the blower 291 may be controlled via a variable frequency drive (VFD). This speed / cfm may be set manually based on the nature of different products to be treated and stored in a recipe of the system for repeatability.

[1109] The temperature of the hot air may be controlled by any appropriate means well known to persons skilled in the art. Preferably, the hot air may be controlled by at least one RTD that is positioned under the grid 295. The temperature set point may be determined through testing and like the blower speed / CFM, may be set in the recipe. The system monitors the temperature with the at least one RTD and supplies more orless heat via the heat exchanger to achieve the desired temperature at which the mixture M is to be subjected.

[0110] More particularly, according to another preferred embodiment, the mixture of hot air and steam, may be obtained by adding to hot air originating from a source of hot air 283, via a damper valve 286 (e.g. a manual damper valve), steam originating from the source of steam 285 (e.g. a boiler). The damper valve 286 that is positioned up stream of the blower 291. According to another preferred embodiment, a differential pressure gauge such as the one sold under the trademark Magnehelic™ may be further provided to measure the air flow and provide feed back (e.g. to an operator) to accurately position the damper valve 286 for a correct amount of air.

[0111] According to another preferred embodiment, there will be a one time set up. The steam is controlled in both volume flow rate and temperature. For controlling the volume flow rate there is preferably further provide a flow valve (not illustrated) that sets the desired flow rate.

[0112] According to another preferred embodiment, there is at least one RTD that measures the temperature of the hot air and / or the steam to ensure the system is running at the desired temperature. If the temperature is too low the system will increase the pressure and therefore the temperature. If the temperature is too high the system will decrease the pressure and therefore the temperature.

[0113] The source of ambient air 287a (preferably a filtered ambient air) may be at an ambient temperature (e.g. about 20°C) and may be in fluid communication with the blower 293 which generates a flow 296 of ambient air passing through a second portion of the grid 295 and a flow 274a of the product B1 flowing on said second portion of the grid 295 toward the outlet 275 for collecting at said outlet 275, a flow 276 of cooled and pasteurized product BT. Optionally, the blower 293 may be turned off, and the product B1 flows over the second section of the grid 295 and then the flow 276 collected at the outlet 275 is the product B1.

[0114] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the flow 292 of the mixture of hot air and steam may vary within large limits. More preferably, said flow 292 of the mixture of hot air and steam may be 500 CFM. According to a preferred aspect of thetechnology, the mixture of hot air and steam may comprise comprises: 5 % to 95 % steam; and 95% to 5 % hot air. More preferably, the mixture of steam and hot air may comprise 95 % steam and 5 % hot air.

[0115] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the flow 296 of ambient air may vary within large limits. More preferably, said flow 296 of ambient may be 500 CFM.

[0116] A preferred aspect of the variant C relates to a process comprising the steps:(a) Feeding the flow 221 of a determine amount of the product A from the source 213 and the flow 225 of a determined amount of the aqueous solution from the source 223 in the spinning mixing drum 211, via respectively the inlets 215 and 217, and contacting the aqueous solution with the product A for a mixing time varying from 20 seconds to 240 seconds, to obtain at the outlet 219 the flow 227 of a mixture M of the aqueous solution and the product A.(b) Transferring the mixture M obtained from step (a) in the fluidized bed dryer 271 via the inlet 273.(c1) Flowing a flow 274 of the mixture M on the first portion of the grid 295 (in fluid communication with the inlet 273 and the outlet 275) toward the outlet 275 for a period of time varying from 1 minute to 10 minutes. Contacting said mixture M with the flow 292 of steam and hot air passing trough the first portion of the grid 295 of the fluidized bed dryer 271, to achieve a further pasteurisation of the mixture M, maintain a temperature of the mixture M from 200° F to 270°F and obtain a pasteurized product B1 which is which is depleted in humidity, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide (preferably substantially free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide and more preferably free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide) and has a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 % and a cfu / g of 500k or less.(d) Optionally contacting the flow 274a of the pasteurized product B1 flowing on the second portion of the grid 295 with the flow 296 of ambient air passing through the second portion of the grid 295 of the fluidized bed dryer 271, said second portion of the grid 295 being close the outlet 275, for cooling the pasteurized product B1 and obtaining the flow 276 of the cooled and pasteurized product BT.(e) Recovering from step (c1) the pasteurized product B1 or from step (d) the cooled and pasteurized product BT, having• a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15%, and• a cfu / g of 500k / g or less.

[0117] If the flow 274a is not contacted with the flow 296 (i.e. step (d) is omitted and the flow 274a only merely flow over the second section of the grid 295, then at the outlet 275 the flow 276 is a flow of the product B1 rather than BT.

[0114] The moisture content and the pasteurisation level of the pasteurized product B1 or the cooled and pasteurized product BT may be determined by usual quality control tests which are well known to persons skilled in the art. As an example, the measure of cfu / g may be obtained according to BAM method and plating may be completed using 3M aerobic count petrifi Ims.

[0118] According to another preferred aspect, the Applicant surprisingly discovered that according to the present technology, it is possible to obtain a pasteurized product B1 or a cooled and pasteurized product BT which is substantially free of peracetic acid (PAA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) because PAA and H2O2 decomposes after controlling the targeted at least one pathogenic agent. According to another preferred aspect of the technology, eventual residues of PAA and H2O2 are negligible and in most cases undetected and / or are below 10 ppm H2O2 and 10 ppm PAA.Variant D

[0119] With reference to Fig. 4, there is illustrated a system 301 allowing to carry out a variant D of the process according to the technology. Also, according to other aspects of the technology, some optional alternatives and / or preferred embodiments of said system 301 are described below.

[0120] The system 301 comprises a spinning mixing drum 311 (e.g. a continuous mixer) and a fluidized-bed dryer 371. The spinning mixing drum 311 and the fluidized-bed dryer 371 are common commercial devices well known to person skilled in the art and do not need to be defined in detail.

[0121] The spinning mixing drum 311 is provided with an inlet 315, an inlet 317 and an outlet 319. The inlet 315 is in fluid communication with a source 313 of a product A to be treated. Said product A has an initial load of at least one pathogenic agent. The product A may be selected from the group consisting of whole seeds, whole spices, whole herbs, parts of seeds, parts of spices, parts of herbs, fragments of seeds, fragments of spices, fragments of herbs, and mixtures thereof.

[0122] The spinning mixing drum 311 may be fed with a desired amount of the product A by any appropriated means, via the inlet 315. Said appropriated means may be selected amongst any one well known to person skilled in the art. As an example, said appropriated means may comprise a conveyor or as illustrated in Fig. 4, a piping 314 comprising a blower 316. Said conveyor or piping 314 are in fluid communication with an outlet of the source 313 and the inlet 315, for transferring a flow 321 of the product A corresponding to the determined amount of the product A in the spinning mixing drum 311 via the inlet 315.

[0123] Also, the spinning mixing drum 311 may be fed with a determined amount of the aqueous solution of the peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide by any appropriated means, via the inlet 317. The aqueous solution of the peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide may originate from a source 323 of said aqueous solution. Said appropriated means may be selected amongst any one well known to person skilled in the art. As an example, said appropriated means may comprise a piping 320 and a pump 322 (preferably a dosing pump). Said piping 320 is in fluid communication with an outlet of the source 323 and the inlet 317, for transferring a flow 325 of the aqueoussolution corresponding to the determined amount the aqueous solution of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Also, according to another preferred embodiment, the inlet 317 may be further provided with sprinklers (not illustrated) to improve dispersion of the flow 325 of the aqueous solution against the product A to be treated.

[0124] Both flows 321 and 325 are mixed together to provide a flow 327 of the mixture M of the product A to be treated and the aqueous solution of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, flowing through the outlet 319 and feeding (optionally via a chute) the fluidized-bed dryer 371.

[0125] After a determined mixing time, the flow 327 falls (optionally via the chute) in an inlet 373 of the fluidized bed dryer 371, and then on a grid 395 of the fluidized-bed dryer 371 which is further provided with an outlet 375. Optionally, the inlet 373 may be at a 45° angle to ease collecting the mixture M flowing out the outlet 319 of the spinning mixing drum 311 and subjected to vibrations (e.g. 45 to 65Hz) to assist the flow of the mixture M (which occasionally may be a sticky mixture) to fall into the fluidized bed dryer 371. Vibrations may be generated by any appropriate vibration generators well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail.

[0126] As mentioned above, the mixture M falls onto the grid 395 and the flow 374 of the mixture M flows toward the outlet 375. According to a preferred aspect of the technology, the grid 395 is in fluid communication with the inlet 373 and the outlet 375, and is slightly inclined (and optionally subjected to vibrations varying from 45 to 65Hz) to ease the mixture M flowing onto the grid 395 toward the outlet 375. Alternatively, according to another preferred embodiment, the grid 395 is level (and optionally subjected to vibration varying from 45 to 65Hz)., According to a preferred aspect of the technology, a constant infeed of the fluidized bed dryer 371 conveys the flow 374 of the mixture M flowing on the grid 395 from the inlet 373 toward the outlet 375. Again, vibrations may be generated by any appropriate vibration generators well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail.

[0127] Also, according to another embodiment, to help controlling the period of time the flow 374 flows on the grid 395, the fluid-bed dryer 371 may be further provided with one or several weirs (not illustrated), preferably four weirs, which are movable from a down position stopping the flow 374, to a up position allowing the flow 374 to move toward the outlet 375. According to a preferred embodiment, the feed rate of the flow 327 of the mixture M may be kept constant. Said weirs may be cycle in unison. According to another preferred embodiment, at least section of the grid 395 may be reversibly closable by the action of at least one of said weirs. Such weirs are common with fluidized bed dryer, well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail.

[0128] According to a preferred embodiment, the mixture M flows on a first portion of the grid 395 toward the outlet 375. The fluidized-bed dryer 375 may be further provided with a hot air generator comprising a source of hot air 383, a steam generator comprising a source of steam 385, a source of ambient air 387a, a blower 391 and a blower 393, a hood 394 for collecting and evacuating via a conduit 397 a flow 398 comprising humidity, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Also, according to another aspect of the technology, at least one Resistance Thermometer Detector (RTD) (not illustrated) may be positioned just under the grid 395 to measure the temperature of the mixture M flowing on the grid 395. Resistance Thermometer Detectors are well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail.

[0129] The source of hot air 383 and the source of steam 385 are in fluid communication with the blower 391 which generates a flow 392 of a mixture of hot air and steam passing through a first portion of the grid 395 and a portion of the mixture M flowing on the first portion of the grid 395, to further activate the peracetic acid and the hydrogen peroxide of the mixture M and then provide a product B1 which is depleted in humidity, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide (preferably substantially free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide and more preferably free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide) and has a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 % and a cfu / g of 500k or less.

[0130] More particularly, according to another preferred aspect of the technology, the source of hot air 383 may comprise a source of ambient air and a heat exchanger (both not illustrated) for heating the ambient air and providing a flow of hot air. The heat exchanger may comprise direct fire or alternatively an indirect fire, a steam or an electric heating. Also, preferably, a speed / cfm output of the blower 391 may be controlled via a variable frequency drive (VFD). This speed / cfm may be set manually based on the nature of different products to be treated and stored in a recipe of the system for repeatability.

[0131] The temperature of the hot air may be controlled by any appropriate means well known to persons skilled in the art. Preferably, the hot air may be controlled by at least one RTD that is positioned under the grid 395. The temperature set point may be determined through testing and like the blower speed / CFM, may be set in the recipe. The system monitors the temperature with the at least one RTD and supplies more or less heat via the heat exchanger to achieve the desired temperature at which the mixture M is to be subjected.

[0132] More particularly, according to another preferred embodiment, the mixture of hot air and steam, may be obtained by adding to hot air originating from a source of hot air 283, via a damper valve 386 (e.g. a manual damper valve), steam originating from the source of steam 385 (e.g. a boiler). The damper valve 286 is positioned up stream of the blower 391. According to another preferred embodiment, a differential pressure gauge such as the one sold under the trademark Magnehelic™ may be further provided to measure the air flow and provide feed back (e.g. to an operator) to accurately position the damper valve 386 for a correct amount of air.

[0133] According to another preferred embodiment, there will be a one time set up. The steam is controlled in both volume flow rate and temperature. For controlling the volume flow rate there is preferably further provide a flow valve (not illustrated) that sets the desired flow rate.

[0134] According to another preferred embodiment, there is at least one RTD that measures the temperature of the hot air and / or the steam to ensure the system is running at the desired temperature. If the temperature is too low the system willincrease the pressure and therefore the temperature. If the temperature is too high the system will decrease the pressure and therefore the temperature.

[0135] The source of ambient air 387a (preferably a filtered ambient air) may be at an ambient temperature (e.g. about 20°C) and may be in fluid communication with the blower 393 which generates a flow 396 of ambient air passing through a second portion of the grid 395 and a flow 374a of the product B1 flowing on said second portion of the grid 395 toward the outlet 375 for collecting at said outlet 375, a flow 376 of cooled and pasteurized product BT. Optionally, the blower 393 may be turned off, the product B1 flows over the second section of the grid 395 and then the flow 376 collected at the outlet 375 is the product B1.

[0136] Also, the system 301 is further provided with a mill 335. The mill 335 is provided with an inlet 333 and an outlet 345. Mills such as the mill 335 are well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail. The pasteurized product B1 or the cooled and pasteurized product BT may be collected by any appropriate means and then transferred to the mill 335 via the inlet 333. Alternatively, the flow of the pasteurized product B or the cooled and pasteurized product B’ may be (i) collected at the outlet 375 by any appropriate means (e.g. a conveyor) and conveyed to the inlet 333 of the mill 335; or (ii) allowed to fall via any appropriate means (e.g. a chute) in the inlet 333 of the mill 335, to provide at the outlet 345 a product C which is a powder or flour of the pasteurized product B or the cooled and pasteurized B’, and having• a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15%, and• a cfu / g of 500k / g or less.

[0137] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the flow 392 of the mixture of hot air and steam may vary within large limits. More preferably, said flow 392 of the mixture of hot air and steam may be 500 CFM. According to a preferred aspect of the technology, the mixture of hot air and steam may comprise comprises: 5 % to 95 % steam; and 95 % to 5 % hot air. More preferably, the mixture of steam and hot air may comprise 95 % steam and 5 % hot air.

[0138] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the flow 396 of ambient air may vary within large limits. More preferably, said flow 396 of ambient may be 500 CFM.

[0139] A preferred aspect of the variant D relates to a process comprising the steps:(a) Feeding the flow 321 of a determine amount of the product A from the source 313 and the flow 325 of a determined amount of the aqueous solution from the source 323 in the spinning mixing drum 311, via respectively the inlets 315 and 317, and contacting the aqueous solution with the product A for a mixing time varying from 20 seconds to 240 seconds, to obtain at the outlet 319 the flow 327 of a mixture M of the aqueous solution and the product A.(b) Transferring the mixture M obtained from step (a) in the fluidized bed dryer 371 via the inlet 373.(c1) Flowing a flow 374 of the mixture M on the first portion of the grid 395 (in fluid communication with the inlet 373 and the outlet 375) toward the outlet 375 for a period of time varying from 1 minute to 10 minutes. Contacting said mixture M with the flow 392 of steam and hot air passing trough the first portion of the grid 395 of the fluidized bed dryer 371, to achieve a further pasteurisation of the mixture M, maintain a temperature of the mixture M from 200° F to 270°F and obtain a pasteurized product B1 which is which is depleted in humidity, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide (preferably substantially free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide and more preferably free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide) and has a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 % and a cfu / g of 500k or less.(d) Optionally contacting the flow 374a of the pasteurized product B1 flowing on the second portion of the grid 395 with the flow 396 of ambient air passing through the second portion of the grid 395 of the fluidized bed dryer 371, said second portion of the grid 395 being closethe outlet 375, for cooling the pasteurized product B1 and obtaining the flow 376 of the cooled and pasteurized product BT.(e) Recovering from step (c1) the pasteurized product B1 or from step (d) the cooled and pasteurized product BT, having• a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15%, and• a cfu / g of 500k / g or less.(f) Subjecting the pasteurized product B obtained from step (e) or the cooled and pasteurized product B’ obtained from step (e) to a milling step, by introducing the pasteurized product B or the cooled and pasteurized product B’ in the mill 135 via the inlet 133 and obtaining at the outlet 145 a product C which is a powder or flour of the product B or B’, and having• a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15%, and• a cfu / g of 500k / g or less.

[0140] If the flow 374a is not contacted with the flow 396 (i.e. step (d) is omitted and the flow 374a only merely flows over the second section of the grid 395, then at the outlet 375 the flow 376 is a flow of the product B1 rather than BT.

[0141] The moisture content and the pasteurisation level of the pasteurized product B1, the cooled and pasteurized product BT or the product C may be determined by usual quality control tests which are well known to persons skilled in the art. As an example, the measure of cfu / g may be obtained according to BAM method and plating may be completed using 3M aerobic count petrifilms.

[0142] According to another preferred aspect, the Applicant surprisingly discovered that according to the present technology, it is possible to obtain a pasteurized product B1, a cooled and pasteurized product BT or a product C which is substantially free of peracetic acid (PAA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) because PAA and H2O2 decomposes after controlling the targeted at least one pathogenic agent. According to another preferred aspect of the technology, eventual residues of PAA andH2O2 are negligible and in most cases undetected and / or are below 10 ppm H2O2 and 10 ppm PAA.Variant E

[0143] With reference to Fig. 5, there is illustrated a system 401 allowing to carry out a variant E of the process according to the technology. Also, according to other aspects of the technology, some optional alternatives and / or preferred embodiments of said system 401 are described below.

[0144] The system 401 comprises a spinning mixing drum 411 (e.g. a continuous mixer) and a continuous fluidized-bed dryer 471. The spinning mixing drum 411 and the fluid-bed dryer 471 are common commercial devices well known to person skilled in the art and do not need to be defined in detail.

[0145] The spinning mixing drum 411 is provided with an inlet 415, an inlet 417 and an outlet 419. The inlet 415 is in fluid communication with a source 413 of a product A to be treated. Said product A has an initial load of at least one pathogenic agent. The product A may be selected from the group consisting of whole seeds, whole spices, whole herbs, parts of seeds, parts of spices, parts of herbs, fragments of seeds, fragments of spices, fragments of herbs, and mixtures thereof.

[0146] The spinning mixing drum 411 may be fed with a desired amount of the product A by any appropriated means, via the inlet 415. Said appropriated means may be selected amongst any one well known to person skilled in the art. As an example, said appropriated means may comprise a conveyor or as illustrated in Fig. 5, a piping 414 comprising a blower 416. Said conveyor or piping 414 is being in fluid communication with an outlet of the source 413 and the inlet 415, for transferring a flow 421 of the product A corresponding to the determined amount of the product A in the spinning mixing drum 411 via the inlet 415.

[0147] Also, the spinning mixing drum 411 may be fed with a determined amount of the aqueous solution of the peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide by any appropriated means, via the inlet 417. The aqueous solution of the peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide may originate from a source 423 of said aqueous solution. Saidappropriated means may be selected amongst any one well known to person skilled in the art. As an example, said appropriated means may comprise a piping 420 and a pump 222 (preferably a dosing pump). Said piping 420 is in fluid communication with an outlet of the source 423 and the inlet 417, for transferring a flow 425 of the aqueous solution corresponding to the determined amount the aqueous solution of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Also, the inlet 417 may be further provided with sprinklers to improve dispersion of the flow 425 of the aqueous solution against the product A to be treated.

[0148] Both flows 421 and 425 are mixed to provide a flow 427 of the mixture M of the product A to be treated and the aqueous solution of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, flowing through the outlet 419 and continuously feeding (optionally via a chute) the fluidized-bed dryer 471.

[0149] The fluidized-bed dryer 475 comprises the inlet 473, the outlet 479 and a grid 495 which is in fluid communication with the inlet 473 and the outlet 479. The fluidized bed dryer is further provided with a hot air generator comprising a source of hot air 481 and a blower 489 providing a flow 490 of hot air, a steam generator comprising a source of hot air 483, a source of steam 485 and a blower 491 providing a flow 492 of a mixture of hot air and steam; and an ambient air generator comprising a source of ambient air 487a and a blower 493 providing a flow 496 of ambient air.

[0150] After a determined mixing time, the flow 427 falls (optionally via the chute) in the inlet 473 of the fluidized bed dryer 471, and then on the grid 495 of the fluidized-bed dryer 471. Optionally, the inlet 473 may be at a 45° angle to ease collecting the mixture M flowing out the outlet 419 of the spinning mixing drum 411 and subjected to vibrations (e.g. 45 to 65Hz) to assist the flow of the mixture M (which occasionally may be a sticky mixture) to fall into the fluidized bed dryer 471. Vibrations may be generated by any appropriate vibration generators well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail.

[0151] As mentioned above, the mixture M falls onto the grid 495 and a flow 474 of the mixture M flows toward the outlet 475. According to a preferred aspect of thetechnology, the grid 495 may be slightly inclined (and optionally subjected to vibrations varying from 45 to 65Hz ) to ease the flow 474 of the mixture M flowing on a first portion of the grid 495, a flow 474’ of the mixture M1 flowing on a second portion of the grid 495 toward the outlet 475 and a flow 474a of a product B2 flowing on a third portion of the grid 495 toward the outlet 475. Alternatively, according to another preferred embodiment, the grid 495 may be level (and optionally subjected to vibration varying from 45 to 65Hz), and a constant infeed of the fluidized bed dryer 471 conveys the flow 474 of the mixture M, the flow 474’ of the mixture M1 and the flow 474a of the pasteurized product B2 flowing on the grid 495 from the inlet 473 toward the outlet 475. Again, vibrations may be generated by any appropriate vibration generators well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail.

[0152] Also, according to another embodiment, to help controlling the period of time the flow 474 flows on the first portion of the grid 495, the flow 474’ flows on the second portion of the grid 495, and the product B2 flows on the third portion of the grid 495, the fluid-bed dryer 471 may be further provided with one or several weirs (not illustrated), preferably four weirs, which are movable from a down position stopping the flow 474, to a up position allowing the flow 474 to move toward the outlet 475.According to a preferred embodiment, the feed rate of the flow 427 of the mixture M is preferably kept constant. Said weirs may be cycle in unison. Such weirs are common with fluidized bed dryer, well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail. According to another preferred embodiment, at least one of the above-mentioned first, second and third sections of the grid 495 may be reversibly closable by the action of at least one of said weirs.

[0153] A flow 490 of hot air passes through the first portion of the grid 495 and the contact the mixture M flowing on said first portion of the grid 495, to provide the mixture M1.

[0154] The mixture M1 flows toward the outlet 475 on a second portion of the grid 495, said second portion being downstream of the first portion of the grid 495. A flow 492 of a mixture of hot air and steam passes through the second portion the grid 495 and contact mixture M1 flowing on said second portion of the grid 495, to activate theperacetic acid and the hydrogen peroxide and provide a pasteurized product B2. The pasteurized product B2 is depleted in humidity, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide (preferably substantially free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide and more preferably free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide) and has a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 % and a cfu / g of 500k or less.

[0155] The pasteurized product B2 flows on a third portion of the grid 495, said third portion being close the outlet 475 of the fluidized bed dryer 471. A flow 496 of ambient air passes through the third portion the grid 495 and contact the product B2 flowing on said third portion of the grid 495, to provide a flow 476 of a cooled and pasteurized product B2’. Alternatively, if the flow ambient air 496 is not provided, then the flow 474a of the pasteurized product B2 merely flows over the third portion of the grid 495 and a flow 476 pasteurized product B2 (rather than a flow of cooled and pasteurized product B2’) is obtained at the outlet 475.

[0156] The fluidized bed dryer 471 is further provided with a hood 494 for collecting and evacuating via a conduit 497, a flow 498 comprising humidity, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide located above the mixture M, the mixture M1 and the pasteurized product B2.

[0157] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the source of hot air 481 may be in fluid communication with the blower 489 which generates a flow 490 of hot air passing through the first portion of the grid 495 and the mixture M flowing on the first portion of the grid 495, to dry mixture M and then provide a mixture M1 which is depleted in humidity. More particularly, according to another preferred aspect of the technology, the source of hot air 481 is part of a first hot air generator. Preferably, the source of hot air 481 may comprise a source of ambient air and a heat exchanger (both not illustrated) for heating the ambient air and providing a flow of hot air. The heat exchanger may comprise direct fire or alternatively an indirect fire, a steam or an electric heating. Also, according to a preferred aspect of the technology, a speed / cfm output of the blower 489 may be controlled via a variable frequency drive (VFD). This speed / cfm may be set manually based on the nature of different products to be treated and stored in a recipe of the system for repeatability.

[0158] The temperature of the hot air may be controlled by any appropriate means well known to persons skilled in the art. Preferably, the hot air may be controlled by at least one RTD that is positioned under the grid 495. The temperature set point may be determined through testing and like the blower speed / CFM, may be set in the recipe. The system monitors the temperature with the at least one RTD and supplies more or less heat via the heat exchanger to achieve the desired temperature at which the mixture M is to be subjected.

[0159] More particularly, according to another preferred embodiment, the mixture of hot air and steam, may be obtained by adding to a flow of hot air originating from a source of hot air 483, via a damper valve 486 (e.g. a manual damper valve) that is positioned up stream of the blower 491, steam originating from the source of steam 485 (e.g. a boiler). According to another preferred embodiment, a differential pressure gauge (not illustrated) such as the one sold under the trademark Magnehelic™ may be further provided to measure the air flow and provide feed back (preferably to an operator) to accurately position the damper valve 486 for a correct amount of air.

[0160] According to another preferred embodiment, there will be a one time set up. The steam is controlled in both volume flow rate and temperature. For controlling the volume flow rate there is preferably further provide a flow valve (not illustrated) that sets the desired flow rate.

[0161] More particularly, according to another preferred aspect of the technology, the source of hot air 483 is part of a second hot air generator. Preferably, the source of hot air 483 may comprise a source of ambient air and a heat exchanger (both not illustrated) for heating the ambient air and providing the flow of hot air. The heat exchanger may comprise direct fire or alternatively an indirect fire, a steam or an electric heating. Also, preferably a speed / cfm output of the blower 489 may be controlled via a variable frequency drive (VFD). This speed / cfm may be set manually based on the nature of different products to be treated and stored in a recipe of the system for repeatability.

[0162] The source of ambient air 487 (preferably a filtered ambient air) may be at an ambient temperature (e.g. about 20°C) and in fluid communication with the blower493 which generates a flow 496 of ambient air passing through the third portion of the grid 495 for cooling the pasteurized product B2 flowing on said third portion of the grid 495 toward the outlet 475 for collecting a flow 476 of cooled and pasteurized product B2’. Optionally, the blower 493 may be turned off, and then the pasteurized product B2 flows over the third section of the grid 495 and then the flow 476 collected at the outlet 475 is the pasteurized product B2’(rather that the cooled and pasteurized product B2’).

[0163] Also, according to another preferred embodiment, there is at least one RTD that measures the temperature of at least one of the first source of hot air 481, the second source of hot air 483 , the source of steam 485, the flow of hot air 490, the flow 492 of the mixture of hot air and steam, and the temperature beneath at least one of the first, second and third sections of the grid 495 to ensure the system is running at the desired temperature. If the temperature is too low the system will increase the pressure and therefore the temperature. If the temperature is too high the system will decrease the pressure and therefore the temperature.

[0164] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the flow 490 of hot air may vary within large limits. More preferably, said flow 490 of hot air may be 500 CFM.

[0165] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the flow 492 of the mixture of hot air and steam may vary within large limits. More preferably, said flow 492 of the mixture of hot air and steam may be 500 CFM. According to a preferred aspect of the technology, the mixture of hot air and steam may comprise comprises: 5 % to 95 % steam; and 95 % to 5 % hot air. More preferably, the mixture of steam and hot air may comprise 95 % steam and 5 % hot air.

[0166] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the flow 496 of ambient air may vary within large limits. More preferably, said flow 496 of ambient may be 500 CFM.

[0167] A preferred aspect of the variant E relates to a process comprising the steps:(a) Feeding the flow 421 of a determine amount of the product A from the source 413 and the flow 425 of a determined amount of the aqueous solution from the source 423 in the spinning mixing drum 411, via respectively the inlets 415 and 417, and contacting the aqueous solution with the product A for a mixing time varying from 20 seconds to 240 seconds, to obtain at the outlet 419 the flow 427 of the mixture M of the aqueous solution and the product A.(b) Transferring the mixture M obtained from step (a) in the fluidized bed dryer 471 via the inlet 473.(c1) Flowing on the grid 495 for a period of time varying from 1 minute to 10 minutes, the mixture M and the mixture M1 from the inlet 473 toward an outlet 475 of the fluidized bed dryer 471; contacting said mixture M with the flow 490 of hot air passing through the first portion of the grid 495 of the fluidized bed dryer 471, to provide the mixture M1 and contacting said mixture M1 with the flow 492 of a mixture of steam and hot air passing trough the second portion of the grid of the fluidized bed dryer 471, downsteam the first portion of the grid 495, to achieve a further pasteurisation of the mixture M1, maintain a temperature of the mixture M and M1 from 200°F to 270°F and obtain a pasteurized product B2 which is depleted in humidity, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide (preferably substantially free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide and more preferably free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide) and has a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 % and a cfu / g of 500k or less.(d) Optionally contacting a flow 474a of the pasteurized product B2, with the flow 493 of ambient air passing through the third portion of the grid 495 of the fluidized bed dryer 471, said third portion of the grid 495 being close the outlet 475 of the fluidized bed dryer 471, for cooling the pasteurized product B2 and obtaining the flow 476 of the cooled and pasteurized product B2’.(e) Recovering from step (c2) the pasteurized product B2 or from step (d) the cooled and pasteurized product B2’, having• a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15%, and• a cfu / g of 500k / g or less.

[0168] If the flow 474a is not contacted with the flow 496 (i.e. step (d) is omitted and the flow 474a only merely flows over the second section of the grid 495), then at the outlet 475 the flow 476 is a flow of the pasteurized product B1 rather than a flow of the cooled and pasteurized product BT.

[0169] The moisture content and the pasteurisation level of the pasteurized product B2 or the cooled and pasteurized product B2’ may be determined by usual quality control tests which are well known to persons skilled in the art. As an example, the measure of cfu / g may be obtained according to BAM method and plating may be completed using 3M aerobic count petrifilms.

[0170] According to another preferred aspect, the Applicant surprisingly discovered that according to the present technology, it is possible to obtain a pasteurized product B2 or cooled and pasteurized product B2’ which is substantially free of peracetic acid (PAA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) because PAA and H2O2 decomposes after controlling the targeted at least one pathogenic agent. According to another preferred aspect of the technology, eventual residues of PAA and H2O2 are negligible and in most cases undetected and / or are below 10 ppm H2O2 and 10 ppm PAA.Variant F

[0171] With reference to Fig. 6, there is illustrated a system 501 allowing to carry out a variant F of the process according to the technology. Also, according to other aspects of the technology, some optional alternatives and / or preferred embodiments of said system 501 are described below.

[0172] The system 501 comprises a spinning mixing drum 511 (e.g. a continuous mixer) and a continuous fluidized-bed dryer 571. The spinning mixing drum 511 andthe fluid-bed dryer 571 are common commercial devices well known to person skilled in the art and do not need to be defined in detail.

[0173] The spinning mixing drum 511 is provided with an inlet 515, an inlet 517 and an outlet 519. The inlet 515 is in fluid communication with a source 513 of a product A to be treated. Said product A has an initial load of at least one pathogenic agent. The product A may be selected from the group consisting of whole seeds, whole spices, whole herbs, parts of seeds, parts of spices, parts of herbs, fragments of seeds, fragments of spices, fragments of herbs, and mixtures thereof.

[0174] The spinning mixing drum 511 may be fed with a desired amount of the product A by any appropriated means, via the inlet 515. Said appropriated means may be selected amongst any one well known to person skilled in the art. As an example, said appropriated means may comprise a conveyor or as illustrated in Fig. 6, a piping 514 comprising a blower 516. Said conveyor or piping 514 is being in fluid communication with an outlet of the source 513 and the inlet 515, for transferring a flow 521 of the product A corresponding to the determined amount of the product A in the spinning mixing drum 511 via the inlet 515.

[0175] Also, the spinning mixing drum 511 may be fed with a determined amount of the aqueous solution of the peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide by any appropriated means, via the inlet 517. The aqueous solution of the peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide may originate from a source 523 of said aqueous solution. Said appropriated means may be selected amongst any one well known to person skilled in the art. As an example, said appropriated means may comprise a piping 520 and a pump 522 (preferably a dosing pump). Said piping 520 is in fluid communication with an outlet of the source 523 and the inlet 517, for transferring a flow 525 of the aqueous solution corresponding to the determined amount the aqueous solution of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Also, the inlet 517 may be further provided with sprinklers to improve dispersion of the flow 525 of the aqueous solution against the product A to be treated.

[0176] Both flows 521 and 525 are mixed to provide a flow 527 of the mixture M of the product A to be treated and the aqueous solution of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, flowing through the outlet 519 and continuously feeding (optionally via a chute) the fluidized-bed dryer 571.

[0177] The fluidized-bed dryer 575 comprises the inlet 573, the outlet 579 and a grid 595 which is in fluid communication with the inlet 573 and the outlet 579. The fluidized bed dryer is further provided with a hot air generator comprising a source of hot air 581 and a blower 589 providing a flow 590 of hot air, a steam generator comprising a source of hot air 583, a source of steam 585 and a blower 591 providing a flow 592 of a mixture of hot air and steam; and an ambient air generator comprising a source of ambient air 587a and a blower 593 providing a flow 596 of ambient air.

[0178] After a determined mixing time, the flow 527 falls (optionally via the chute) in the inlet 573 of the fluidized bed dryer 571, and then on the grid 595 of the fluidized-bed dryer 571. Optionally, the inlet 573 may be at a 45° angle to ease collecting the mixture M flowing out the outlet 519 of the spinning mixing drum 511 and subjected to vibrations (e.g. 45 to 65Hz) to assist the flow of the mixture M (which occasionally may be a sticky mixture) to fall into the fluidized bed dryer 571. Vibrations may be generated by any appropriate vibration generators well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail.

[0179] As mentioned above, the mixture M falls onto the grid 595 and a flow 574 of the mixture M flows toward the outlet 575. According to a preferred aspect of the technology, the grid 595 may be slightly inclined (and optionally subjected to vibrations varying from 45 to 65Hz ) to ease the flow 574 of the mixture M flowing on a first portion of the grid 595, a flow 574’ of the mixture M1 flowing on a second portion of the grid 4595 toward the outlet 575 and a flow 574a of a product B2 flowing on a third portion of the grid 595 toward the outlet 575. Alternatively, according to another preferred embodiment, the grid 595 may be level (and optionally subjected to vibration varying from 45 to 65Hz), and a constant infeed of the fluidized bed dryer 571 conveys the flow 574 of the mixture M, the flow 574’ of the mixture M1 and the flow 574a of the pasteurized product B2 flowing on the grid 595 from the inlet 573 toward the outlet575. Again, vibrations may be generated by any appropriate vibration generators well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail.

[0180] Also, according to another embodiment, to help controlling the period of time the flow 574 flows on the first portion of the grid 595, the flow 574’ flows on the second portion of the grid 595, and the product B2 flows on the third portion of the grid 595, the fluid-bed dryer 571 may be further provided with one or several weirs (not illustrated), preferably four weirs, which are movable from a down position stopping the flow 574, to a up position allowing the flow 574 to move toward the outlet 575.According to a preferred embodiment, the feed rate of the flow 527 of the mixture M is preferably kept constant. Said weirs may be cycle in unison. Such weirs are common with fluidized bed dryer, well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail. According to another preferred embodiment, at least one of the above-mentioned first, second and third sections of the grid 595 may be reversibly closable by the action of at least one of said weirs.

[0181] A flow 590 of hot air passes through the first portion of the grid 595 and the contact the mixture M flowing on said first portion of the grid 595, to provide the mixture M1.

[0182] The mixture M1 flows toward the outlet 575 on a second portion of the grid 595, said second portion being downstream of the first portion of the grid 595. A flow 592 of a mixture of hot air and steam passes through the second portion the grid 595 and contact mixture M1 flowing on said second portion of the grid 595, to activate the peracetic acid and the hydrogen peroxide and provide a pasteurized product B2. The pasteurized product B2 is depleted in humidity, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide (preferably substantially free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide and more preferably free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide) and has a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 % and a cfu / g of 500k or less.

[0183] The pasteurized product B2 flows on a third portion of the grid 595, said third portion being close the outlet 575 of the fluidized bed dryer 571. A flow 596 of ambient air passes through the third portion the grid 595 and contact the product B2flowing on said third portion of the grid 595, to provide a flow 576 of a cooled and pasteurized product B2’. Alternatively, if the flow ambient air 596 is not provided, then the flow 574a of the pasteurized product B2 merely flows over the third portion of the grid 595 and a flow 576 pasteurized product B2 (rather than a flow of cooled and pasteurized product B2’) is obtained at the outlet 575.

[0184] The fluidized bed dryer 571 is further provided with a hood 594 for collecting and evacuating via a conduit 597, a flow 598 comprising humidity, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide located above the mixture M, the mixture M1 and the pasteurized product B2.

[0185] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the source of hot air 581 may be in fluid communication with the blower 589 which generates a flow 590 of hot air passing through the first portion of the grid 595 and the mixture M flowing on the first portion of the grid 595, to dry mixture M and then provide a mixture M1 which is depleted in humidity. More particularly, according to another preferred aspect of the technology, the source of hot air 581 is part of a first hot air generator. Preferably, the source of hot air 581 may comprise a source of ambient air and a heat exchanger (both not illustrated) for heating the ambient air and providing a flow of hot air. The heat exchanger may comprise direct fire or alternatively an indirect fire, a steam or an electric heating. Also, according to a preferred aspect of the technology, a speed / cfm output of the blower 589 may be controlled via a variable frequency drive (VFD). This speed / cfm may be set manually based on the nature of different products to be treated and stored in a recipe of the system for repeatability.

[0186] The temperature of the hot air may be controlled by any appropriate means well known to persons skilled in the art. Preferably, the hot air may be controlled by at least one RTD that is positioned under the grid 595. The temperature set point may be determined through testing and like the blower speed / CFM, may be set in the recipe. The system monitors the temperature with the at least one RTD and supplies more or less heat via the heat exchanger to achieve the desired temperature at which the mixture M is to be subjected.

[0187] More particularly, according to another preferred embodiment, the mixture of hot air and steam, may be obtained by adding to a flow of hot air originating from a source of hot air 583, via a damper valve 586 (e.g. a manual damper valve) that is positioned up stream of the blower 591, steam originating from the source of steam 585 (e.g. a boiler). According to another preferred embodiment, a differential pressure gauge (not illustrated) such as the one sold under the trademark Magnehelic™ may be further provided to measure the air flow and provide feed back (preferably to an operator) to accurately position the damper valve 586 for a correct amount of air.

[0188] According to another preferred embodiment, there will be a one time set up. The steam is controlled in both volume flow rate and temperature. For controlling the volume flow rate there is preferably further provide a flow valve (not illustrated) that sets the desired flow rate.

[0189] More particularly, according to another preferred aspect of the technology, the source of hot air 583 is part of a second hot air generator. Preferably, the source of hot air 583 may comprise a source of ambient air and a heat exchanger (both not illustrated) for heating the ambient air and providing the flow of hot air. The heat exchanger may comprise direct fire or alternatively an indirect fire, a steam or an electric heating. Also, preferably a speed / cfm output of the blower 589 may be controlled via a variable frequency drive (VFD). This speed / cfm may be set manually based on the nature of different products to be treated and stored in a recipe of the system for repeatability.

[0190] The source of ambient air 587 (preferably a filtered ambient air) may be at an ambient temperature (e.g. about 20°C) and in fluid communication with the blower 593 which generates a flow 596 of ambient air passing through the third portion of the grid 595 for cooling the pasteurized product B2 flowing on said third portion of the grid 495 toward the outlet 575 for collecting a flow 576 of cooled and pasteurized product B2’. Optionally, the blower 593 may be turned off, and then the pasteurized product B2 flows over the third section of the grid 595 and then the flow 576 collected at the outlet 575 is the pasteurized product B2’(rather that the cooled and pasteurized product B2’).

[0191] Also, according to another preferred embodiment, there is at least one RTD that measures the temperature of at least one of the first source of hot air 581, the second source of hot air 583 , the source of steam 585, the flow of hot air 590, the flow 592 of the mixture of hot air and steam, and the temperature beneath at least one of the first, second and third sections of the grid 595 to ensure the system is running at the desired temperature. If the temperature is too low the system will increase the pressure and therefore the temperature. If the temperature is too high the system will decrease the pressure and therefore the temperature.

[0192] Also, the system 501 is further provided with a mill 535. The mill 535 is provided with an inlet 533 and an outlet 545. Mills such as the mill 535 are well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail. The pasteurized product B2 or the cooled and pasteurized product B2’ may be collected by any appropriate means and then transferred to the mill 535 via the inlet 533. Alternatively, the flow of the pasteurized product B2 or the cooled and pasteurized product B2’ may be (i) collected at the outlet 575 by any appropriate means (e.g. a conveyor) and conveyed to the inlet 533 of the mill 535; or (ii) allowed to fall via any appropriate means (e.g. a chute) in the inlet 533 of the mill 535, to provide at the outlet 545 a product C which is a powder or flour of the pasteurized product B2 or the cooled and pasteurized B2’, and having• a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15%, and• a cfu / g of 500k / g or less.

[0193] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the flow 590 of hot air may vary within large limits. More preferably, said flow 590 of hot air may be 500 CFM.

[0194] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the flow 592 of the mixture of hot air and steam may vary within large limits. More preferably, said flow 592 of the mixture of hot air and steam may be 500 CFM. According to a preferred aspect of the technology, the mixture of hot air and steam may comprise comprises: 5 % to 95 % steam; and 95 % to 5 % hot air. More preferably, the mixture of steam and hot air may comprise 95 % steam and 5 % hot air.

[0195] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the flow 596 of ambient air may vary within large limits. More preferably, said flow 596 of ambient may be 500 CFM.

[0196] A preferred aspect of the variant F relates to a process comprising the steps:(a) Feeding the flow 521 of a determine amount of the product A from the source 513 and the flow 525 of a determined amount of the aqueous solution from the source 523 in the spinning mixing drum 511, via respectively the inlets 515 and 517, and contacting the aqueous solution with the product A for a mixing time varying from 20 seconds to 240 seconds, to obtain at the outlet 519 the flow 527 of the mixture M of the aqueous solution and the product A.(b) Transferring the mixture M obtained from step (a) in the fluidized bed dryer 571 via the inlet 573.(c1) Flowing on the grid 595 for a period of time varying from 1 minute to 10 minutes, the mixture M and the mixture M1 from the inlet 573 toward an outlet 575 of the fluidized bed dryer 571; contacting said mixture M with the flow 590 of hot air passing through the first portion of the grid 595 of the fluidized bed dryer 571, to provide the mixture M1 and contacting said mixture M1 with the flow 592 of a mixture of steam and hot air passing trough the second portion of the grid of the fluidized bed dryer 571, downsteam the first portion of the grid 595, to achieve a further pasteurisation of the mixture M1, maintain a temperature of the mixture M and M1 from 200°F to 270°F and obtain a pasteurized product B2 which is depleted in humidity, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide (preferably substantially free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide and more preferably free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide) and has a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 % and a cfu / g of 500k or less.(d) Optionally contacting a flow 574a of the pasteurized product B2, with the flow 593 of ambient air passing through the third portion of the grid 595 of the fluidized bed dryer 571, said third portion of the grid 595 being close the outlet 575 of the fluidized bed dryer 571, for cooling the pasteurized product B2 and obtaining the flow 576 of the cooled and pasteurized product B2’.(e) Recovering from step (c2) the pasteurized product B2 or from step (d) the cooled and pasteurized product B2’, having• a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15%, and• a cfu / g of 500k / g or less.(f) Subjecting the pasteurized product B2 obtained from step (e) or the cooled and pasteurized product B2’ obtained from step (e) to a milling step, by introducing the pasteurized product B or the cooled and pasteurized product B’ in the mill 535 via the inlet 533 and obtaining at the outlet 545 a product C which is a powder or flour of the product B2 or B2’, and having• a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15%, and• a cfu / g of 500k / g or less.

[0197] If the flow 574a is not contacted with the flow 596 (i.e. step (d) is omitted and the flow 574a only merely flows over the second section of the grid 595), then at the outlet 575 the flow 576 is a flow of the pasteurized product B2 rather than a flow of the cooled and pasteurized product B2’.

[0198] The moisture content and the pasteurisation level of the pasteurized product B2, the cooled and pasteurized product B2’ or the product C may be determined by usual quality control tests which are well known to persons skilled in the art. As an example, the measure of cfu / g may be obtained according to BAM method and plating may be completed using 3M aerobic count petrifilms.

[0199] According to another preferred aspect, the Applicant surprisingly discovered that according to the present technology, it is possible to obtain apasteurized product B2, a cooled and pasteurized product B2’ or a product C which is substantially free of peracetic acid (PAA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) because PAA and H2O2 decomposes after controlling the targeted at least one pathogenic agent. According to another preferred aspect of the technology, eventual residues of PAA and H2O2 are negligible and in most cases undetected and / or are below 10 ppm H2O2 and 10 ppm PAA.Variant G

[0200] With reference to Fig. 7, there is illustrated a system 601 allowing to carry out a variant G of the process according to the technology. Also, according to other aspects of the technology, some optional alternatives and / or preferred embodiments of said system 601 are described below.

[0201] The system 601 comprises a spinning mixing drum 611 (e.g. a continuous mixer) and a continuous fluidized-bed dryer 671. The spinning mixing drum 611 and the fluid-bed dryer 671 are common commercial devices well known to person skilled in the art and do not need to be defined in detail.

[0202] The spinning mixing drum 611 is provided with an inlet 615, an inlet 617 and an outlet 619. The inlet 615 is in fluid communication with a source 613 of a product A to be treated. Said product A having an initial load of at least one pathogenic agent. The product A may be selected from the group consisting of whole seeds, whole spices, whole herbs, parts of seeds, parts of spices, parts of herbs, fragments of seeds, fragments of spices, fragments of herbs, and mixtures thereof.

[0203] The spinning mixing drum 611 may be fed with a desired amount of the product A by any appropriated means, via the inlet 615. Said appropriated means may be selected amongst any one well known to person skilled in the art. As an example, said appropriated means may comprise a conveyor or as illustrated in Fig. 7, a piping 614 comprising a blower 616. Said piping 614 is in fluid communication with an outlet of the source 613 and the inlet 615, for transferring a flow 621 of the product A corresponding to the determined amount of the product A in the spinning mixing drum 611 via the inlet 615.

[0204] The spinning mixing drum 611 may be fed with a determined amount of the aqueous solution of the peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide by any appropriated means, via the inlet 617. The aqueous solution of the peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide may originate from a source 623 of said aqueous solution. Said appropriated means may be selected amongst any one well known to person skilled in the art. As an example, said appropriated means may comprise a piping 620 and a pump 622 (preferably a dosing pump). Said piping 620 is in fluid communication with an outlet of the source 623 and the inlet 617, for transferring a flow 625 of the aqueous solution corresponding to the determined amount the aqueous solution of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Also, the inlet 617 may be further provided with sprinklers to improve dispersion of the flow 625 of the aqueous solution against the product A to be treated.

[0205] Both flows 621 and 625 are mixed to provide a flow 627 of the mixture M of the product to be treated and the aqueous solution of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, flowing through the outlet 619 and continuously feeding (optionally via a chute) the fluidized-bed dryer 671.

[0206] The fluidized-bed dryer 671 comprises the inlet 673, the outlet 675 and a grid 695 which is in fluid communication with the inlet 673 and the outlet 675. The fluidized bed dryer 671 is further provided with a first hot air generator comprising a source of hot air 681 and a blower 689 providing a flow 690 of hot air, a steam generator comprising a source of hot air 683, a source of steam 685 and a blower 691 providing a flow 692 of a mixture of hot air and steam; a second hot air generator comprising a source of hot air 68T and a blower 689’ providing a flow 690’ of hot air, and an ambient air generator comprising a source of ambient air 687a and a blower 693 providing a flow 696 of ambient air.

[0207] After a determined mixing time, the flow 627 falls (optionally via a chute) in the inlet 673 of the fluidized bed dryer 671, and then on the grid 695 of the fluidized-bed dryer 671. Optionally, the inlet may be at a 45° angle to ease collecting the mixture M flowing out the outlet 619 of the spinning mixing drum 611 and subjected to vibrations (e.g. 45 to 65Hz) to assist the flow of the mixture M (which occasionally maybe a sticky mixture) to fall into the fluidized bed dryer 671. Vibrations may be generated by any appropriate vibration generators well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail.

[0208] As mentioned above, the mixture M falls on the grid 695 and a flow 674 of said mixture M flows toward the outlet 675. According to a preferred aspect of the technology, the grid 695 may be slightly inclined (and optionally subjected to vibrations varying from 45 to 65Hz ) to ease the flow 674 of the mixture M flowing on a first portion of the grid 695, a flow 674’ of the mixture M1 flowing on a second portion of the grid 695 toward the outlet 675, a flow 674” of the mixture M2 flowing on a third portion of the grid 695 toward the outlet 675, and a flow 674a of a pasteurized product B3 flowing on a fourth portion of the grid 695 toward the outlet 675. Alternatively, according to another preferred embodiment, the grid 695 may be level (and optionally subjected to vibration varying from 45 to 65Hz). Preferably, a constant infeed of the fluidized bed dryer 671 conveys the flow 674 of the mixture M, the flow 674’ of the mixture M1, the flow 674” of the mixture M2, and the flow 674a of the product B3 flowing on the grid 695 from the inlet 673 toward the outlet 675. Again, vibrations may be generated by any appropriate vibration generators well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail.

[0209] Also, according to another embodiment, to help controlling the period of time the flow 674 flows on the first portion of the grid 695, the flow 674’ flows on the second portion of the grid 595, the flow 674’ flows on the third portion of the grid 595, and the product B3 flows on the fourth portion of the grid 695, the fluid-bed dryer 671 may be provided with one or several weirs (not illustrated), preferably four weirs, which are movable from a down position stopping at least one of the flows 674, 674’, 674” and 674a to a up position allowing at least one of the flows 674, 674’, 674” and 674a to move toward the outlet 675. According to a preferred embodiment, the feed rate of the flow 627 of the mixture M is preferably kept constant. Said weirs may be cycle in unison. Such weirs are common with fluidized bed dryer, well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail. According to another preferred embodiment, at least one of the first section, the second section, the third section andthe fourth section of the grid 695 may be reversibly closable by the action of at least one of said weirs.

[0210] A flow 690 of hot air passes through the first portion of the grid 695 and contacts the mixture M flowing on said first portion of the grid 695, to provide the mixture M1 depleted in humidity.

[0211] The mixture M1 flows toward the outlet 675 on a second portion of the grid 695, said second portion being downstream of the first portion of the grid 695. A flow 692 of a mixture of hot air and steam passes through the second portion the grid 695 and contacts mixture M1 flowing on said second portion of the grid 695, to activate the peracetic acid and the hydrogen peroxide and provide a pasteurized mixture M2.

[0212] The mixture M2 flows toward the outlet 675 on a third portion of the grid 695, said third portion being downstream of the second portion of the grid 695. A flow 690’ of hot air passes through the third portion the grid 695 and contact mixture M2 flowing on said third portion of the grid 695, to provide a product B3. The pasteurized product B3 is depleted in humidity, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide (preferably substantially free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide and more preferably free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide) and has a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 % and a cfu / g of 500k or less.

[0213] The product B3 flows on a fourth portion of the grid 695, said fourth portion being close the outlet 675 of the fluidized bed dryer 671. A flow 696 of ambient air passes through the fourth portion the grid 695 and contact the product B3 flowing on said fourth portion of the grid 695, to provide a cooled and pasteurized product B3’.Alternatively, if the flow ambient air 696 is not provided, then the flow 674a of the pasteurized product B3 merely flows over the fourth portion of the grid 695 and a flow 676 pasteurized product B3 (rather than a flow of cooled and pasteurized product B3’) is obtained at the outlet 675.

[0214] The fluidized bed dryer 671 is further provided with a hood 694 for collecting and evacuating via a conduit 697, a flow 698 comprising humidity, peraceticacid and hydrogen peroxide located above the mixture M, the mixture M1, the mixture M2 and the pasteurized product B3.

[0215] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the source of hot air 681 is part of a first hot air generator, said source of hot air 681 being in fluid communication with the blower 689 which generates a flow 690 of hot air passing through the first portion of the grid 695 and the mixture M flowing on the first portion of the grid 695, to dry mixture M and then provide a mixture M1 is depleted in humidity. More particularly, according to another preferred aspect of the technology, the source of hot air 681 is part of a first hot air generator. Preferably, the source of hot air 681 may comprise a source of ambient air and a heat exchanger (both not illustrated) for heating the ambient air and providing a flow of hot air. The heat exchanger may comprise direct fire or alternatively an indirect fire, a steam or an electric heating. Also, according to a preferred aspect of the technology, a speed / cfm output of the blower 689 may be controlled via a variable frequency drive (VFD). This speed / cfm may be set manually based on the nature of different products to be treated and stored in a recipe of the system for repeatability.

[0216] The temperature of the hot air is controlled by any appropriate means well known to persons skilled in the art. Preferably, the hot air is controlled by at least one RTD that is positioned under the grid 695. The temperature set point may be determined through testing and like the blower speed / CFM, may be set in the recipe. The system monitors the temperature with the at least one RTD and supplies more or less heat via the heat exchanger to achieve the desired temperature at which the mixture M is to be subjected.

[0217] More particularly, according to another preferred embodiment, the mixture of hot air and steam, is obtained by adding to a flow of hot air originating from a source of hot air 683, via a damper valve 686 (e.g. a manual damper valve) that is positioned up stream of the blower 691, steam originating from the source of steam 685 (e.g. a boiler). According to another preferred embodiment, a differential pressure gauge (not illustrated) such as the one sold under the trademark Magnehelic™ may be furtherprovided to measure the air flow and provide feed back (preferably to an operator) to accurately position the damper valve 686 for a correct amount of air.

[0218] According to another preferred embodiment, there is a one time set up. The steam is controlled in both volume flow rate and temperature. For controlling the volume flow rate there is preferably further provide a flow valve (not illustrated) that sets the desired flow rate.

[0219] More particularly, according to another preferred aspect of the technology, the source of hot air 683 is part of a second hot air generator. Preferably, the source of hot air 683 may comprise a source of ambient air and a heat exchanger (both not illustrated) for heating the ambient air and providing a flow of hot air. The heat exchanger may comprise direct fire or alternatively an indirect fire, a steam or an electric heating. Also, a speed / cfm output of the blower 689 may be controlled via a variable frequency drive (VFD). This speed / cfm may be set manually based on the nature of different products to be treated and stored in a recipe of the system for repeatability.

[0220] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the source of hot air 681’ is part of a third hot air generator, said source of hot air 681’ being in fluid communication with the blower 689’ which generates a flow 690’ of hot air passing through the third portion of the grid 695 and the mixture M2 flowing on the third portion of the grid 695, to dry mixture M2 and then provide a product B3 which is pasteurized and further depleted in humidity. More particularly, according to another preferred aspect of the technology, the source of hot air 68T is part of a third hot air generator. Preferably, the source of hot air 681’ may comprise a source of ambient air and a heat exchanger (both not illustrated) for heating the ambient air and providing a flow of hot air. The heat exchanger may comprise direct fire or alternatively an indirect fire, a steam or an electric heating. Also, a speed / cfm output of the blower 689’ may be controlled via a variable frequency drive (VFD). This speed / cfm may be set manually based on the nature of different products to be treated and stored in a recipe of the system for repeatability.

[0221] Also, according to another preferred embodiment, there is at least one RTD that measures the temperature of at least one of the first source of hot air 681, the second source of hot air 683 , the third source of hot air 681’, the source of steam 685, the flow of hot air 690, the flow 692 of the mixture of hot air and steam, the flow of hot air 696, and the temperature beneath at least one of the first, second and third sections of the grid 695 to ensure the system is running at the desired temperature. If the temperature is too low the system will increase the pressure and therefore the temperature. If the temperature is too high the system will decrease the pressure and therefore the temperature.

[0222] The source of ambient air 687 (preferably a filtered ambient air) may be at an ambient temperature (e.g. about 20°C) and in fluid communication with the blower 693 which generates a flow 696 of ambient air passing through the fourth portion of the grid 695 for cooling the product B3 flowing on said fourth portion of the grid 695 toward the outlet 675 and then for collecting a flow 676 of cooled and pasteurized product B3’.Optionally, the blower 693 may be turned off, and the product B3 flows over the fourth section of the grid 695 and then the flow 676 collected at the outlet 675 is the product B3’

[0223] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the flow 690 of hot air may vary within large limits. More preferably, said flow 690 of hot air may be 500 CFM.

[0224] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the flow 692 of the mixture of hot air and steam may vary within large limits. More preferably, said flow 692 of the mixture of hot air and steam may be 500 CFM. According to a preferred aspect of the technology, the mixture of hot air and steam may comprise comprises: 5 % to 95 % steam; and 95 % to 5 % hot air. More preferably, the mixture of steam and hot air may comprise 95 % steam and 5 % hot air.

[0225] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the flow 690’ of hot air may vary within large limits. More preferably, said flow 690’ of hot air may be 500 CFM.

[0226] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the flow 696 of ambient air may vary within large limits. More preferably, said flow 696 of ambient may be 500 CFM.

[0227] With reference to Fig. 7, a preferred aspect of the process of the variant G comprises the steps:(a) Feeding the flow 621 of a determine amount of the product A from the source 613 and the flow 625 of a determined amount of the aqueous solution from the source 623 in the spinning mixing drum 611, via respectively the inlets 615 and 617, and contacting the aqueous solution with the product A for a mixing time varying from 20 seconds to 240 seconds, to obtain at the outlet 619 the flow 627 of the mixture M of the aqueous solution and the product A.(b) Transferring the mixture M obtained from step (a) in a fluidized bed dryer 671 via the inlet 673.(c1) Flowing on the grid 695 for a period of time varying from 1 minute to 10 minutes, the mixture M, the mixture M1 and the mixture M2 from the inlet 673 toward an outlet 675 of the fluidized bed dryer 671;contacting said mixture M with the flow 690 of hot air passing through the first portion of the grid 695 of the fluidized bed dryer 571, to provide the mixture M1,contacting said mixture M1 with the flow 692 of steam and hot air passing trough the second portion of the grid 695 of the fluidized bed dryer 671, downsteam the first portion of the grid 695, to activate the peracetic acid and the hydrogen peroxide and provide a mixture obtained a mixture M2,contacting said mixture M2 with the flow 690’ of hot air passing through the first third of the grid 695 of the fluidized bed dryer 561, to obtain the product B3,maintaining a temperature of the mixture M, the mixture M1 and the product B3 from 200°F to 270°F and obtain a pasteurized product B3 which is depleted in humidity, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide (preferably substantially free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide and more preferably free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide) and has a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 % and a cfu / g of 500k or less.(d) optionally contacting the pasteurized product B3, with a flow 693 of ambient air passing through the fourth portion of the grid 695 of the fluidized bed dryer 671, close the outlet 675 of the fluidized bed dryer 671, for cooling the pasteurized product B3 and obtaining a corresponding cooled and pasteurized product B3’.(e) recovering from step (c2) the pasteurized product B3 or from step (d) the cooled and pasteurized product B3’, having• a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15%, and• a cfu / g of 500k / g or less.

[0228] If the flow 674a is not contacted with the flow 696 (i.e. step (d) is omitted and the flow 674a only merely flows over the second section of the grid 695), then at the outlet 675 the flow 676 is a flow of the pasteurized product B3 rather than a flow of the cooled and pasteurized product B3’.

[0229] The moisture content and the pasteurisation level of the pasteurized product B3 or the cooled and pasteurized product B3’ may be determined by usual quality control tests which are well known to persons skilled in the art. As an example, the measure of cfu / g may be obtained according to BAM method and plating may be completed using 3M aerobic count petrifilms.

[0230] According to another preferred aspect, the Applicant surprisingly discovered that according to the present technology, it is possible to obtain a pasteurized product B3 or a cooled and pasteurized product B3’ which is substantially free of peracetic acid (PAA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) because PAA and H2O2decomposes after controlling the targeted at least one pathogenic agent. According to another preferred aspect of the technology, eventual residues of PAA and H2O2 are negligible and in most cases undetected and / or are below 10 ppm H2O2 and 10 ppm PAA.Variant H

[0231] With reference to Fig. 8, there is illustrated a system 701 allowing to carry out a variant H of the process according to the technology. Also, according to other aspects of the technology, some optional alternatives and / or preferred embodiments of said system 701 are described below.

[0232] The system 701 comprises a spinning mixing drum 711 (e.g. a continuous mixer) and a continuous fluidized-bed dryer 771. The spinning mixing drum 711 and the fluid-bed dryer 771 are common commercial devices well known to person skilled in the art and do not need to be defined in detail.

[0233] The spinning mixing drum 711 is provided with an inlet 715, an inlet 717 and an outlet 719. The inlet 715 is in fluid communication with a source 713 of a product A to be treated. Said product A having an initial load of at least one pathogenic agent. The product A may be selected from the group consisting of whole seeds, whole spices, whole herbs, parts of seeds, parts of spices, parts of herbs, fragments of seeds, fragments of spices, fragments of herbs, and mixtures thereof.

[0234] The spinning mixing drum 711 may be fed with a desired amount of the product A by any appropriated means, via the inlet 715. Said appropriated means may be selected amongst any one well known to person skilled in the art. As an example, said appropriated means may comprise a conveyor or as illustrated in Fig. 8, a piping 714 comprising a blower 716. Said piping 714 is in fluid communication with an outlet of the source 713 and the inlet 715, for transferring a flow 721 of the product A corresponding to the determined amount of the product A in the spinning mixing drum 711 via the inlet 715.

[0235] The spinning mixing drum 711 may be fed with a determined amount of the aqueous solution of the peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide by any appropriatedmeans, via the inlet 717. The aqueous solution of the peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide may originate from a source 723 of said aqueous solution. Said appropriated means may be selected amongst any one well known to person skilled in the art. As an example, said appropriated means may comprise a piping 720 and a pump 722 (preferably a dosing pump). Said piping 720 is in fluid communication with an outlet of the source 723 and the inlet 717, for transferring a flow 725 of the aqueous solution corresponding to the determined amount the aqueous solution of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Also, the inlet 717 may be further provided with sprinklers to improve dispersion of the flow 725 of the aqueous solution against the product A to be treated.

[0236] Both flows 721 and 725 are mixed to provide a flow 727 of the mixture M of the product to be treated and the aqueous solution of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, flowing through the outlet 719 and continuously feeding (optionally via a chute) the fluidized-bed dryer 771.

[0237] The fluidized-bed dryer 771 comprises the inlet 773, the outlet 775 and a grid 795 which is in fluid communication with the inlet 773 and the outlet 775. The fluidized bed dryer 771 is further provided with a first hot air generator comprising a source of hot air 781 and a blower 789 providing a flow 790 of hot air, a steam generator comprising a source of hot air 783, a source of steam 785 and a blower 791 providing a flow 792 of a mixture of hot air and steam; a second hot air generator comprising a source of hot air 78T and a blower 789’ providing a flow 790’ of hot air, and an ambient air generator comprising a source of ambient air 787a and a blower 793 providing a flow 796 of ambient air.

[0238] After a determined mixing time, the flow 727 falls (optionally via a chute) in the inlet 773 of the fluidized bed dryer 771, and then on the grid 795 of the fluidized-bed dryer 771. Optionally, the inlet may be at a 45° angle to ease collecting the mixture M flowing out the outlet 719 of the spinning mixing drum 711 and subjected to vibrations (e.g. 45 to 65Hz) to assist the flow of the mixture M (which occasionally may be a sticky mixture) to fall into the fluidized bed dryer 771. Vibrations may begenerated by any appropriate vibration generators well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail.

[0239] As mentioned above, the mixture M falls on the grid 795 and a flow 774 of said mixture M flows toward the outlet 775. According to a preferred aspect of the technology, the grid 795 may be slightly inclined (and optionally subjected to vibrations varying from 45 to 65Hz ) to ease the flow 774 of the mixture M flowing on a first portion of the grid 795, a flow 774’ of the mixture M1 flowing on a second portion of the grid 795 toward the outlet 775, a flow 774” of the mixture M2 flowing on a third portion of the grid 795 toward the outlet 775, and a flow 774a of a pasteurized product B3 flowing on a fourth portion of the grid 795 toward the outlet 775. Alternatively, according to another preferred embodiment, the grid 795 may be level (and optionally subjected to vibration varying from 45 to 65Hz). Preferably, a constant infeed of the fluidized bed dryer 771 conveys the flow 774 of the mixture M, the flow 774’ of the mixture M1, the flow 774” of the mixture M2, and the flow 774a of the product B3 flowing on the grid 695 from the inlet 773 toward the outlet 775. Again, vibrations may be generated by any appropriate vibration generators well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail.

[0240] Also, according to another embodiment, to help controlling the period of time the flow 774 flows on the first portion of the grid 795, the flow 774’ flows on the second portion of the grid 795, the flow 774’ flows on the third portion of the grid 595, and the product B3 flows on the fourth portion of the grid 795, the fluid-bed dryer 771 may be provided with one or several weirs (not illustrated), preferably four weirs, which are movable from a down position stopping at least one of the flows 774, 774’, 774” and 774a to a up position allowing at least one of the flows 774, 774’, 774” and 774a to move toward the outlet 775. According to a preferred embodiment, the feed rate of the flow 727 of the mixture M is preferably kept constant. Said weirs may be cycle in unison. Such weirs are common with fluidized bed dryer, well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail. According to another preferred embodiment, at least one of the first section, the second section, the third section andthe fourth section of the grid 695 may be reversibly closable by the action of at least one of said weirs.

[0241] A flow 790 of hot air passes through the first portion of the grid 795 and contacts the mixture M flowing on said first portion of the grid 795, to provide the mixture M1 depleted in humidity.

[0242] The mixture M1 flows toward the outlet 775 on a second portion of the grid 795, said second portion being downstream of the first portion of the grid 795. A flow 792 of a mixture of hot air and steam passes through the second portion the grid 795 and contacts mixture M1 flowing on said second portion of the grid 795, to activate the peracetic acid and the hydrogen peroxide and provide a pasteurized mixture M2.

[0243] The mixture M2 flows toward the outlet 775 on a third portion of the grid 795, said third portion being downstream of the second portion of the grid 795. A flow 790’ of hot air passes through the third portion the grid 795 and contact mixture M2 flowing on said third portion of the grid 795, to provide a product B3. The pasteurized product B3 is depleted in humidity, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide (preferably substantially free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide and more preferably free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide) and has a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 % and a cfu / g of 500k or less.

[0244] The product B3 flows on a fourth portion of the grid 795, said fourth portion being close the outlet 775 of the fluidized bed dryer 771. A flow 796 of ambient air passes through the fourth portion the grid 795 and contact the product B3 flowing on said fourth portion of the grid 795, to provide a cooled and pasteurized product B3’.Alternatively, if the flow ambient air 796 is not provided, then the flow 774a of the pasteurized product B3 merely flows over the fourth portion of the grid 795 and a flow 776 pasteurized product B3 (rather than a flow of cooled and pasteurized product B3’) is obtained at the outlet 775.

[0245] The fluidized bed dryer 771 is further provided with a hood 794 for collecting and evacuating via a conduit 797, a flow 798 comprising humidity, peraceticacid and hydrogen peroxide located above the mixture M, the mixture M1, the mixture M2 and the pasteurized product B3.

[0246] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the source of hot air 781 is part of a first hot air generator, said source of hot air 781 being in fluid communication with the blower 789 which generates a flow 790 of hot air passing through the first portion of the grid 795 and the mixture M flowing on the first portion of the grid 795, to dry mixture M and then provide a mixture M1 is depleted in humidity. More particularly, according to another preferred aspect of the technology, the source of hot air 781 is part of a first hot air generator. Preferably, the source of hot air 781 may comprise a source of ambient air and a heat exchanger (both not illustrated) for heating the ambient air and providing a flow of hot air. The heat exchanger may comprise direct fire or alternatively an indirect fire, a steam or an electric heating. Also, according to a preferred aspect of the technology, a speed / cfm output of the blower 789 may be controlled via a variable frequency drive (VFD). This speed / cfm may be set manually based on the nature of different products to be treated and stored in a recipe of the system for repeatability.

[0247] The temperature of the hot air is controlled by any appropriate means well known to persons skilled in the art. Preferably, the hot air is controlled by at least one RTD that is positioned under the grid 795. The temperature set point may be determined through testing and like the blower speed / CFM, may be set in the recipe. The system monitors the temperature with the at least one RTD and supplies more or less heat via the heat exchanger to achieve the desired temperature at which the mixture M is to be subjected.

[0248] More particularly, according to another preferred embodiment, the mixture of hot air and steam, is obtained by adding to a flow of hot air originating from a source of hot air 783, via a damper valve 786 (e.g. a manual damper valve) that is positioned up stream of the blower 791, steam originating from the source of steam 785 (e.g. a boiler). According to another preferred embodiment, a differential pressure gauge (not illustrated) such as the one sold under the trademark Magnehelic™ may be furtherprovided to measure the air flow and provide feed back (preferably to an operator) to accurately position the damper valve 686 for a correct amount of air.

[0249] According to another preferred embodiment, there is a one time set up. The steam is controlled in both volume flow rate and temperature. For controlling the volume flow rate there is preferably further provide a flow valve (not illustrated) that sets the desired flow rate.

[0250] More particularly, according to another preferred aspect of the technology, the source of hot air 783 is part of a second hot air generator. Preferably, the source of hot air 783 may comprise a source of ambient air and a heat exchanger (both not illustrated) for heating the ambient air and providing a flow of hot air. The heat exchanger may comprise direct fire or alternatively an indirect fire, a steam or an electric heating. Also, a speed / cfm output of the blower 789 may be controlled via a variable frequency drive (VFD). This speed / cfm may be set manually based on the nature of different products to be treated and stored in a recipe of the system for repeatability.

[0251] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the source of hot air 781’ is part of a third hot air generator, said source of hot air 781’ being in fluid communication with the blower 789’ which generates a flow 790’ of hot air passing through the third portion of the grid 795 and the mixture M2 flowing on the third portion of the grid 795, to dry mixture M2 and then provide a product B3 which is pasteurized and further depleted in humidity. More particularly, according to another preferred aspect of the technology, the source of hot air 78T is part of a third hot air generator. Preferably, the source of hot air 781’ may comprise a source of ambient air and a heat exchanger (both not illustrated) for heating the ambient air and providing a flow of hot air. The heat exchanger may comprise direct fire or alternatively an indirect fire, a steam or an electric heating. Also, a speed / cfm output of the blower 789’ may be controlled via a variable frequency drive (VFD). This speed / cfm may be set manually based on the nature of different products to be treated and stored in a recipe of the system for repeatability.

[0252] The source of ambient air 787 (preferably a filtered ambient air) may be at an ambient temperature (e.g. about 20°C) and in fluid communication with the blower 793 which generates a flow 796 of ambient air passing through the fourth portion of the grid 795 for cooling the product B3 flowing on said fourth portion of the grid 795 toward the outlet 775 and then for collecting a flow 776 of cooled and pasteurized product B3’. Optionally, the blower 793 may be turned off, and the product B3 flows over the fourth section of the grid 795 and then the flow 776 collected at the outlet 775 is the product B3’

[0253] Also, according to another preferred embodiment, there is at least one RTD that measures the temperature of at least one of the first source of hot air 781, the second source of hot air 783 , the third source of hot air 68T, the source of steam 785, the flow of hot air 790, the flow 792 of the mixture of hot air and steam, the flow of hot air 696, and the temperature beneath at least one of the first, second and third sections of the grid 595 to ensure the system is running at the desired temperature. If the temperature is too low the system will increase the pressure and therefore the temperature. If the temperature is too high the system will decrease the pressure and therefore the temperature.

[0254] Also, the system 701 is further provided with a mill 735. The mill 735 is provided with an inlet 733 and an outlet 745. Mills such as the mill 735 are well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail. The pasteurized product B3 or the cooled and pasteurized product B3’ may be collected by any appropriate means and then transferred to the mill 735 via the inlet 733. Alternatively, the flow of the pasteurized product B3 or the cooled and pasteurized product B3’ may be (i) collected at the outlet 775 by any appropriate means (e.g. a conveyor) and conveyed to the inlet 733 of the mill 735; or (ii) allowed to fall via any appropriate means (e.g. a chute) in the inlet 733 of the mill 735, to provide at the outlet 745 a product C which is a powder or flour of the pasteurized product B3 or the cooled and pasteurized B3’, and having• a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15%, and• a cfu / g of 500k / g or less.

[0255] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the flow 790 of hot air may vary within large limits. More preferably, said flow 790 of hot air may be 500 CFM.

[0256] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the flow 792 of the mixture of hot air and steam may vary within large limits. More preferably, said flow 792 of the mixture of hot air and steam may be 500 CFM. According to a preferred aspect of the technology, the mixture of hot air and steam may comprise comprises: 5 % to 95 % steam; and 95 % to 5 % hot air. More preferably, the mixture of steam and hot air may comprise 95 % steam and 5 % hot air.

[0257] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the flow 790’ of hot air may vary within large limits. More preferably, said flow 790’ of hot air may be 500 CFM.

[0258] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the flow 796 of ambient air may vary within large limits. More preferably, said flow 796 of ambient may be 500 CFM.

[0259] With reference to Fig. 8, a preferred aspect of the process of the variant H comprises the steps:(a) Feeding the flow 721 of a determine amount of the product A from the source 713 and the flow 725 of a determined amount of the aqueous solution from the source 723 in the spinning mixing drum 611, via respectively the inlets 715 and 717, and contacting the aqueous solution with the product A for a mixing time varying from 20 seconds to 240 seconds, to obtain at the outlet 719 the flow 727 of the mixture M of the aqueous solution and the product A.(b) Transferring the mixture M obtained from step (a) in a fluidized bed dryer 771 via the inlet 773.(c1) Flowing on the grid 795 for a period of time varying from 1 minute to 10 minutes, the mixture M, the mixture M1 and the mixture M2 from the inlet 773 toward an outlet 775 of the fluidized bed dryer 771;contacting said mixture M with the flow 790 of hot air passing through the first portion of the grid 795 of the fluidized bed dryer 771, to provide the mixture M1,contacting said mixture M1 with the flow 792 of steam and hot air passing trough the second portion of the grid 795 of the fluidized bed dryer 771, downsteam the first portion of the grid 795, to activate the peracetic acid and the hydrogen peroxide and provide a mixture obtained a mixture M2,contacting said mixture M2 with the flow 790’ of hot air passing through the first third of the grid 795 of the fluidized bed dryer 761, to obtain the product B3,maintaining a temperature of the mixture M, the mixture M1 and the product B3 from 200°F to 270°F and obtain a pasteurized product B3 which is depleted in humidity, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide (preferably substantially free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide and more preferably free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide) and has a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 % and a cfu / g of 500k or less.(d) optionally contacting the pasteurized product B3, with a flow 793 of ambient air passing through the fourth portion of the grid 795 of the fluidized bed dryer 771, close the outlet 775 of the fluidized bed dryer 771, for cooling the pasteurized product B3 and obtaining a corresponding cooled and pasteurized product B3’.(e) recovering from step (c2) the pasteurized product B3 or from step (d) the cooled and pasteurized product B3’, having• a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15%, and• a cfu / g of 500k / g or less.

[0260] If the flow 774a is not contacted with the flow 796 (i.e. step (d) is omitted and the flow 774a only merely flows over the second section of the grid 795), then at the outlet 775 the flow 776 is a flow of the pasteurized product B3 rather than a flow of the cooled and pasteurized product B3’.

[0261] The moisture content and the pasteurisation level of the pasteurized product B3, the cooled and pasteurized product B3’ or the product C may be determined by usual quality control tests which are well known to persons skilled in the art. As an example, the measure of cfu / g may be obtained according to BAM method and plating may be completed using 3M aerobic count petrifilms.

[0262] According to another preferred aspect, the Applicant surprisingly discovered that according to the present technology, it is possible to obtain a pasteurized product B3, a cooled and pasteurized product B3’ or a product C which is substantially free of peracetic acid (PAA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) because PAA and H2O2 decomposes after controlling the targeted at least one pathogenic agent. According to another preferred aspect of the technology, eventual residues of PAA and H2O2 are negligible and in most cases undetected and / or are below 10 ppm H2O2 and 10 ppm PAA.Variant I

[0263] With reference to Fig. 9, there is illustrated a system 801 allowing to carry out a variant I of the process according to the technology. Also, according to other aspects of the technology, some optional alternatives and / or preferred embodiments of said system 801 are described below.

[0264] The system 801 comprises a spinning mixing drum 811 (e.g. a continuous mixer) and a continuous fluidized-bed dryer 871. The spinning mixing drum 811 and the fluid-bed dryer 871 are common commercial devices well known to person skilled in the art and do not need to be defined in detail.

[0265] The spinning mixing drum 811 is provided with an inlet 815, an inlet 817 and an outlet 819. The inlet 815 is in fluid communication with a source 813 of a product A to be treated. Said product A having an initial load of at least onepathogenic agent. The product A may be selected from the group consisting of whole seeds, whole spices, whole herbs, parts of seeds, parts of spices, parts of herbs, fragments of seeds, fragments of spices, fragments of herbs, and mixtures thereof.

[0266] The spinning mixing drum 811 may be fed with a desired amount of the product A by any appropriated means, via the inlet 815. Said appropriated means may be selected amongst any one well known to person skilled in the art. As an example, said appropriated means may comprise conveyor or as illustrated in Fig. 9, a piping 814 comprising a blower 816. Said piping 814 is in fluid communication with an outlet of the source 813 and the inlet 815, for transferring a flow 821 of the product A corresponding to the determined amount of the product A in the spinning mixing drum 811 via the inlet 815.

[0267] The spinning mixing drum 811 may be fed with a determined amount of the aqueous solution of the peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide by any appropriated means, via the inlet 817. The aqueous solution of the peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide may originate from a source 823 of said aqueous solution. Said appropriated means may be selected amongst any one well known to person skilled in the art. As an example, said appropriated means may comprise a piping 820 and a pump 822 (preferably a dosing pump). Said piping 820 is in fluid communication with an outlet of the source 823 and the inlet 817, for transferring a flow 825 of the aqueous solution corresponding to the determined amount the aqueous solution of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Also, the inlet 817 may be further provided with sprinklers to improve dispersion of the flow 825 of the aqueous solution against the product A to be treated.

[0268] Both flows 821 and 825 are mixed to provide a flow 827 of a mixture M of the product to be treated and the aqueous solution of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, flowing through the outlet 819 and continuously feeding (optionally via a chute) the fluidized-bed dryer 871.

[0269] The fluidized-bed dryer 871 comprises the inlet 873, the outlet 879 and a grid 895 which is in fluid communication with the inlet 873 and the outlet 875. Thefluidized bed dryer 871 is further provided with a steam generator comprising a source of hot air 883, a source of steam 885 and a blower 891 providing a flow 892 of a mixture of hot air and steam; a hot air generator comprising a source of hot air 881 and a blower 889 providing a flow 890 of hot air, and an ambient air generator comprising a source of ambient air 887a and a blower 893 providing a flow 896 of ambient air.

[0270] After a determined mixing time, the flow 827 falls (optionally via a chute) in the inlet 873 of the fluidized bed dryer 871, and then on a grid 895 of a fluidized-bed dryer 871. Optionally, the inlet may be at a 45° angle to ease collecting the mixture M flowing out the outlet 819 of the spinning mixing drum 811 and subjected to vibrations (e.g. 45 to 65Hz) to assist the flow of the mixture M (which occasionally may be a sticky mixture) to fall into the fluidized bed dryer 871. Vibrations may be generated by any appropriate vibration generators well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail.

[0271] According to a preferred aspect of the technology, the grid 895 may be slightly inclined (and optionally subjected to vibrations varying from 45 to 65Hz ) to ease the flow 874 of the mixture M flowing on a first portion of the grid 895, a flow 774’ of the mixture M4 flowing on a second portion of the grid 895 toward the outlet 875, and a flow 774a of a product B4 flowing on a third portion of the grid 895 toward the outlet 875. Alternatively, according to another preferred embodiment, the grid 895 may be level (and optionally subjected to vibration varying from 45 to 65Hz), and a constant infeed of the fluidized bed dryer 871 conveys the flow 874 of the mixture M, the flow 874’ of the mixture M4, and the flow 874a of the product B4 flowing on the grid 895 from the inlet 873 toward the outlet 875. Again, vibrations may be generated by any appropriate vibration generators well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail.

[0272] Also, according to another embodiment, to help controlling the period of time the flow 874 flows on the first portion of the grid 895, the flow 874’ flows on the second portion of the grid 895, and the product B4 flows on the third portion of the grid 895, the fluid-bed dryer 871 may be provided with one or several weirs (not illustrated), preferably four weirs, which are movable from a down position stopping at least one ofthe flows 874, 874’ and 874a to a up position allowing at least one of the flows 874, 874’ and 874a to move toward the outlet 875. According to a preferred embodiment, a feed rate of the flow 827 of the mixture M is preferably kept constant. Said weirs may be cycle in unison. Such weirs are common with fluidized bed dryer, well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail. According to another preferred embodiment, at least one of the first section, the second section, the third section and the fourth section of the grid 895 may be reversibly closable by the action of at least one of said weirs.

[0273] The mixture M flows toward the outlet 875 on a first portion of the grid 895. A flow 892 of a mixture of hot air and steam passes through the first portion the grid 895 and contact mixture M flowing on said first portion of the grid 895, to activate the peracetic acid and the hydrogen peroxide and provide a mixture M4.

[0274] The mixture M4 flows toward the outlet 875 on a second portion of the grid 895, said second portion being downstream of the first portion of the grid 895. A flow 889 of hot air passes through the second portion the grid 895 and contact mixture M4 flowing on said second portion of the grid 895, to provide the product B4. The product B4 is depleted in humidity, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide (preferably substantially free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide and more preferably free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide) and has a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 % and a cfu / g of 500k or less.

[0275] The product B4 flows on a third portion of the grid 895, said third portion being close the outlet 875 of the fluidized bed dryer 871. A flow 896 of ambient air passes through the third portion the grid 895 and contact the product B4 flowing on said third portion of the grid 895, to provide a cooled product B4’. Alternatively, if the flow ambient air 896 is not provided, then the flow 874a of the pasteurized product B4 merely flows over the fourth portion of the grid 895 and a flow 876 pasteurized product B4 (rather than a flow of cooled and pasteurized product B4’) is obtained at the outlet 875.

[0276] The fluidized bed dryer 871 is further provided with a hood 894 for collecting and evacuating via a conduit 897, a flow 898 comprising humidity, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide located above the mixture M, the mixture M4 and the product B4.

[0277] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the mixture of hot air and steam, is is obtained by adding to a flow of hot air originating from a source of hot air 883, via a damper valve 886 (e.g. a manual damper valve) that is positioned up stream of the blower 891, steam originating from the source of steam 885 (e.g. a boiler). According to another preferred embodiment, a differential pressure gauge (not illustrated) such as the one sold under the trademark Magnehelic™ may be further provided to measure the air flow and provide feed back (preferably to an operator) to accurately position the damper valve 886 for a correct amount of air.

[0278] According to another preferred embodiment, there is a one time set up. The steam is controlled in both volume flow rate and temperature. For controlling the volume flow rate there is preferably further provide a flow valve (not illustrated) that sets the desired flow rate.

[0279] More particularly, according to another preferred aspect of the technology, the source of hot air 883 is part of a hot air generator. Preferably, the source of hot air 883 may comprise a source of ambient air and a heat exchanger (both not illustrated) for heating the ambient air and providing the flow 892 of hot air. The heat exchanger may comprise direct fire or alternatively an indirect fire, a steam or an electric heating. Also, a speed / cfm output of the blower 889 may be controlled via a variable frequency drive (VFD). This speed / cfm may be set manually based on the nature of different products to be treated and stored in a recipe of the system for repeatability.

[0280] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the source of hot air 881 is part of another hot air generator, said source of hot air 881 being in fluid communication with the blower 889 which generates the flow 890 of hot air passing through the first portion of the grid 895 and the mixture M4 flowing on the second portion of the grid 895, to provide the product B4 which is pasteurized and further depleted in humidity. More particularly, according to another preferred aspect of thetechnology, the source of hot air 881 may comprise a source of ambient air and a heat exchanger (both not illustrated) for heating the ambient air and providing a flow of hot air. The heat exchanger may comprise direct fire or alternatively an indirect fire, a steam or an electric heating. Also, a speed / cfm output of the blower 889 may be controlled via a variable frequency drive (VFD). This speed / cfm may be set manually based on the nature of different products to be treated and stored in a recipe of the system for repeatability.

[0281] The source of ambient air 887 (preferably a filtered ambient air) may be at an ambient temperature (e.g. about 20°C) and in fluid communication with the blower 893 which generates a flow 896 of ambient air passing through the third portion of the grid 895 for cooling the product B4 flowing on said third portion of the grid 895 toward the outlet 875 for collecting a flow 876 of cooled and pasteurized product B4’. Optionally, the blower 893 may be turned off, and the product B4 flows over the third section of the grid 895 and then the flow 876 collected at the outlet 875 is the product B4’.

[0282] Also, according to another preferred embodiment, there is at least one RTD that measures the temperature of at least one of the first source of hot air 881, the second source of hot air 883 , the source of steam 885, the flow 892 of the mixture of hot air and steam, the flow of hot air 896, and the temperature beneath at least one of the first, second and third sections of the grid 895 to ensure the system is running at the desired temperature. If the temperature is too low the system will increase the pressure and therefore the temperature. If the temperature is too high the system will decrease the pressure and therefore the temperature.

[0283] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the flow 892 of the mixture of hot air and steam may vary within large limits. More preferably, said flow 892 of the mixture of hot air and steam may be 500 CFM. According to a preferred aspect of the technology, the mixture of hot air and steam may comprise comprises: 5 % to 95 % steam; and 95 % to 5 % hot air. More preferably, the mixture of steam and hot air may comprise 95 % steam and 5 % hot air.

[0284] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the flow 890 of hot air may vary within large limits. More preferably, said flow 890 of hot air may be 500 CFM.

[0285] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the flow 896 of ambient air may vary within large limits. More preferably, said flow 896 of ambient may be 500 CFM.

[0286] With reference to Fig. 9, the process of the variant I comprises the steps:(a) Feeding the flow 821 of a determine amount of the product A from the source 813 and the flow 825 of a determined amount of the aqueous solution from the source 823 in the spinning mixing drum 811, via respectively the inlets 815 and 817, and contacting the aqueous solution with the product A for a mixing time varying from 20 seconds to 240 seconds, to obtain at the outlet 819 the flow 827 of the mixture M of the aqueous solution and the product A.(b) Transferring the mixture M obtained from step (a) in a fluidized bed dryer 871 via the inlet 873.(c1) Flowing on the grid 895 for a period of time varying from 1 minute to 10 minutes, the mixture M and the mixture M4 from the inlet 873 toward an outlet 875 of the fluidized bed dryer 871 ;contacting said mixture M with the flow 892 of steam and hot air passing trough the first portion of the grid 895 of the fluidized bed dryer 871, to activate the peracetic acid and the hydrogen peroxide, to provide the mixture M4,contacting said mixture M4 with the flow 890 of hot air passing through the second portion the grid 895, said mixture M4 flowing on a second portion of the grid 895 toward the outlet 875 of the fluidized bed dryer 871,maintaining a temperature of the mixture M and the mixture M4 from 200°F to 270°F and obtain a pasteurized product B4 which is depleted inhumidity, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide (preferably substantially free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide and more preferably free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide) and has a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 % and a cfu / g of 500k or less.(d) Optionally contacting the pasteurized product B4, with a flow 893 of ambient air passing through the third portion of the grid 895 of the fluidized bed dryer 871, close the outlet 875 of the fluidized bed dryer 871, for cooling the pasteurized product B4 and obtaining a corresponding cooled and pasteurized product B4’.(e) Recovering from step (c2) the pasteurized product B4 or from step (d) the cooled and pasteurized product B4’, having• a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15%, and• a cfu / g of 500k / g or less.

[0287] If the flow 874a is not contacted with the flow 896 (i.e. step (d) is omitted and the flow 874a only merely flows over the second section of the grid 695), then at the outlet 875 the flow 876 is a flow of the pasteurized product B4 rather than a flow of the cooled and pasteurized product B4’.

[0288] The moisture content and the pasteurisation level of the pasteurized product B4 or the cooled and pasteurized product B4’ may be determined by usual quality control tests which are well known to persons skilled in the art. As an example, the measure of cfu / g may be obtained according to BAM method and plating may be completed using 3M aerobic count petrifilms.

[0289] According to another preferred aspect, the Applicant surprisingly discovered that according to the present technology, it is possible to obtain a pasteurized product B4 or a cooled and pasteurized product B4’ which is substantially free of peracetic acid (PAA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) because PAA and H2O2 decomposes after controlling the targeted at least one pathogenic agent. According to another preferred aspect of the technology, eventual residues of PAA and H2O2 arenegligible and in most cases undetected and / or are below 10 ppm H2O2 and 10 ppm PAA.Variant J

[0290] With reference to Fig. 10, there is illustrated a system 901 allowing to carry out a variant J of the process according to the technology. Also, according to other aspects of the technology, some optional alternatives and / or preferred embodiments of said system 901 are described below.

[0291] The system 901 comprises a spinning mixing drum 911 (e.g. a continuous mixer) and a continuous fluidized-bed dryer 971. The spinning mixing drum 911 and the fluid-bed dryer 971 are common commercial devices well known to person skilled in the art and do not need to be defined in detail.

[0292] The spinning mixing drum 911 is provided with an inlet 915, an inlet 917 and an outlet 919. The inlet 915 is in fluid communication with a source 913 of a product A to be treated. Said product A having an initial load of at least one pathogenic agent. The product A may be selected from the group consisting of whole seeds, whole spices, whole herbs, parts of seeds, parts of spices, parts of herbs, fragments of seeds, fragments of spices, fragments of herbs, and mixtures thereof.

[0293] The spinning mixing drum 911 may be fed with a desired amount of the product A by any appropriated means, via the inlet 915. Said appropriated means may be selected amongst any one well known to person skilled in the art. As an example, said appropriated means may comprise conveyor or as illustrated in Fig. 9, a piping 914 comprising a blower 916. Said piping 914 is in fluid communication with an outlet of the source 913 and the inlet 915, for transferring a flow 921 of the product A corresponding to the determined amount of the product A in the spinning mixing drum 911 via the inlet 915.

[0294] The spinning mixing drum 911 may be fed with a determined amount of the aqueous solution of the peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide by any appropriated means, via the inlet 917. The aqueous solution of the peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide may originate from a source 923 of said aqueous solution. Said appropriatedmeans may be selected amongst any one well known to person skilled in the art. As an example, said appropriated means may comprise a piping 920 and a pump 922 (preferably a dosing pump). Said piping 920 is in fluid communication with an outlet of the source 923 and the inlet 917, for transferring a flow 925 of the aqueous solution corresponding to the determined amount the aqueous solution of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Also, the inlet 917 may be further provided with sprinklers to improve dispersion of the flow 925 of the aqueous solution against the product A to be treated.

[0295] Both flows 921 and 925 are mixed to provide a flow 927 of a mixture M of the product to be treated and the aqueous solution of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, flowing through the outlet 919 and continuously feeding (optionally via a chute) the fluidized-bed dryer 971.

[0296] The fluidized-bed dryer 971 comprises the inlet 973, the outlet 979 and a grid 995 which is in fluid communication with the inlet 973 and the outlet 975. The fluidized bed dryer 971 is further provided with a steam generator comprising a source of hot air 983, a source of steam 985 and a blower 991 providing a flow 992 of a mixture of hot air and steam; a hot air generator comprising a source of hot air 981 and a blower 989 providing a flow 990 of hot air, and an ambient air generator comprising a source of ambient air 987a and a blower 993 providing a flow 996 of ambient air.

[0297] After a determined mixing time, the flow 927 falls (optionally via a chute) in the inlet 973 of the fluidized bed dryer 971, and then on a grid 995 of a fluidized-bed dryer 971. Optionally, the inlet may be at a 45° angle to ease collecting the mixture M flowing out the outlet 919 of the spinning mixing drum 911 and subjected to vibrations (e.g. 45 to 65Hz) to assist the flow of the mixture M (which occasionally may be a sticky mixture) to fall into the fluidized bed dryer 971. Vibrations may be generated by any appropriate vibration generators well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail.

[0298] According to a preferred aspect of the technology, the grid 995 may be slightly inclined (and optionally subjected to vibrations varying from 45 to 65Hz ) toease the flow 974 of the mixture M flowing on a first portion of the grid 995, a flow 974’ of the mixture M4 flowing on a second portion of the grid 995 toward the outlet 975, and a flow 974a of a product B4 flowing on a third portion of the grid 995 toward the outlet 975. Alternatively, according to another preferred embodiment, the grid 995 may be level (and optionally subjected to vibration varying from 45 to 65Hz), and a constant infeed of the fluidized bed dryer 971 conveys the flow 974 of the mixture M, the flow 974’ of the mixture M4, and the flow 974a of the product B4 flowing on the grid 995 from the inlet 973 toward the outlet 975. Again, vibrations may be generated by any appropriate vibration generators well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail.

[0299] Also, according to another embodiment, to help controlling the period of time the flow 974 flows on the first portion of the grid 995, the flow 974’ flows on the second portion of the grid 995, and the product B4 flows on the third portion of the grid 995, the fluid-bed dryer 971 may be provided with one or several weirs (not illustrated), preferably four weirs, which are movable from a down position stopping at least one of the flows 974, 974’ and 974a to a up position allowing at least one of the flows 974, 974’ and 974a to move toward the outlet 975. According to a preferred embodiment, a feed rate of the flow 927 of the mixture M is preferably kept constant. Said weirs may be cycle in unison. Such weirs are common with fluidized bed dryer, well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail. According to another preferred embodiment, at least one of the first section, the second section, the third section and the fourth section of the grid 995 may be reversibly closable by the action of at least one of said weirs.

[0300] The mixture M flows toward the outlet 975 on a first portion of the grid 995.A flow 992 of a mixture of hot air and steam passes through the first portion the grid 995 and contact mixture M flowing on said first portion of the grid 995, to activate the peracetic acid and the hydrogen peroxide and provide a mixture M4.

[0301] The mixture M4 flows toward the outlet 975 on a second portion of the grid 995, said second portion being downstream of the first portion of the grid 995. A flow 989 of hot air passes through the second portion the grid 995 and contact mixture M4flowing on said second portion of the grid 995, to provide the product B4. The product B4 is depleted in humidity, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide (preferably substantially free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide and more preferably free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide) and has a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 % and a cfu / g of 500k or less.

[0302] The product B4 flows on a third portion of the grid 995, said third portion being close the outlet 975 of the fluidized bed dryer 971. A flow 996 of ambient air passes through the third portion the grid 995 and contact the product B4 flowing on said third portion of the grid 995, to provide a cooled product B4’. Alternatively, if the flow ambient air 996 is not provided, then the flow 974a of the pasteurized product B4 merely flows over the fourth portion of the grid 995 and a flow 976 pasteurized product B4 (rather than a flow of cooled and pasteurized product B4’) is obtained at the outlet 975.

[0303] The fluidized bed dryer 971 is further provided with a hood 994 for collecting and evacuating via a conduit 997, a flow 998 comprising humidity, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide located above the mixture M, the mixture M4 and the product B4.

[0304] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the mixture of hot air and steam, is obtained by adding to a flow of hot air originating from a source of hot air 983, via a damper valve 986 (e.g. a manual damper valve) that is positioned up stream of the blower 991, steam originating from the source of steam 985 (e.g. a boiler). According to another preferred embodiment, a differential pressure gauge (not illustrated) such as the one sold under the trademark Magnehelic™ may be further provided to measure the air flow and provide feed back (preferably to an operator) to accurately position the damper valve 986 for a correct amount of air.

[0305] According to another preferred embodiment, there is a one time set up. The steam is controlled in both volume flow rate and temperature. For controlling the volume flow rate there is preferably further provide a flow valve (not illustrated) that sets the desired flow rate.

[0306] More particularly, according to another preferred aspect of the technology, the source of hot air 983 is part of a hot air generator. Preferably, the source of hot air 983 may comprise a source of ambient air and a heat exchanger (both not illustrated) for heating the ambient air and providing the flow 992 of hot air. The heat exchanger may comprise direct fire or alternatively an indirect fire, a steam or an electric heating. Also, a speed / cfm output of the blower 989 may be controlled via a variable frequency drive (VFD). This speed / cfm may be set manually based on the nature of different products to be treated and stored in a recipe of the system for repeatability.

[0307] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the source of hot air 981 is part of another hot air generator, said source of hot air 981 being in fluid communication with the blower 989 which generates the flow 990 of hot air passing through the first portion of the grid 995 and the mixture M4 flowing on the second portion of the grid 995, to provide the product B4 which is pasteurized and further depleted in humidity. More particularly, according to another preferred aspect of the technology, the source of hot air 981 may comprise a source of ambient air and a heat exchanger (both not illustrated) for heating the ambient air and providing a flow of hot air. The heat exchanger may comprise direct fire or alternatively an indirect fire, a steam or an electric heating. Also, a speed / cfm output of the blower 889 may be controlled via a variable frequency drive (VFD). This speed / cfm may be set manually based on the nature of different products to be treated and stored in a recipe of the system for repeatability.

[0308] The source of ambient air 987 (preferably a filtered ambient air) may be at an ambient temperature (e.g. about 20°C) and in fluid communication with the blower 993 which generates a flow 996 of ambient air passing through the third portion of the grid 995 for cooling the product B4 flowing on said third portion of the grid 995 toward the outlet 975 for collecting a flow 976 of cooled and pasteurized product B4’. Optionally, the blower 993 may be turned off, and the product B4 flows over the third section of the grid 995 and then the flow 976 collected at the outlet 975 is the product B4’.

[0309] Also, according to another preferred embodiment, there is at least one RTD that measures the temperature of at least one of the first source of hot air 981, the second source of hot air 983 , the source of steam 985, the flow 992 of the mixture of hot air and steam, the flow of hot air 996, and the temperature beneath at least one of the first, second and third sections of the grid 995 to ensure the system is running at the desired temperature. If the temperature is too low the system will increase the pressure and therefore the temperature. If the temperature is too high the system will decrease the pressure and therefore the temperature.

[0310] Also, the system 901 is further provided with a mill 935. The mill 935 is provided with an inlet 933 and an outlet 945. Mills such as the mill 935 are well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail. The pasteurized product B4 or the cooled and pasteurized product B4’ may be collected by any appropriate means and then transferred to the mill 935 via the inlet 933. Alternatively, the flow of the pasteurized product B4 or the cooled and pasteurized product B4’ may be (i) collected at the outlet 975 by any appropriate means (e.g. a conveyor) and conveyed to the inlet 933 of the mill 935; or (ii) allowed to fall via any appropriate means (e.g. a chute) in the inlet 933 of the mill 935, to provide at the outlet 945 a product C which is a powder or flour of the pasteurized product B4 or the cooled and pasteurized B4’, and having• a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15%, and• a cfu / g of 500k / g or less.

[0311] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the flow 992 of the mixture of hot air and steam may vary within large limits. More preferably, said flow 992 of the mixture of hot air and steam may be 500 CFM. According to a preferred aspect of the technology, the mixture of hot air and steam may comprise comprises: 5 % to 95 % steam; and 95 % to 5 % hot air. More preferably, the mixture of steam and hot air may comprise 95 % steam and 5 % hot air.

[0312] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the flow 990 of hot air may vary within large limits. More preferably, said flow 990 of hot air may be 500 CFM.

[0313] According to another preferred aspect of the technology, the flow 996 of ambient air may vary within large limits. More preferably, said flow 996 of ambient may be 500 CFM.

[0314] With reference to Fig. 10, the process of the variant J comprises the steps:(a) Feeding the flow 921 of a determine amount of the product A from the source 913 and the flow 925 of a determined amount of the aqueous solution from the source 923 in the spinning mixing drum 911, via respectively the inlets 915 and 917, and contacting the aqueous solution with the product A for a mixing time varying from 20 seconds to 240 seconds, to obtain at the outlet 919 the flow 927 of the mixture M of the aqueous solution and the product A.(b) Transferring the mixture M obtained from step (a) in a fluidized bed dryer 971 via the inlet 973.(c1) Flowing on the grid 995 for a period of time varying from 1 minute to 10 minutes, the mixture M and the mixture M4 from the inlet 973 toward an outlet 975 of the fluidized bed dryer 971 ;contacting said mixture M with the flow 992 of steam and hot air passing trough the first portion of the grid 995 of the fluidized bed dryer 971, to activate the peracetic acid and the hydrogen peroxide, to provide the mixture M4,contacting said mixture M4 with the flow 990 of hot air passing through the second portion the grid 995, said mixture M4 flowing on a second portion of the grid 995 toward the outlet 975 of the fluidized bed dryer 971,maintaining a temperature of the mixture M and the mixture M4 from 200°F to 270°F and obtain a pasteurized product B4 which is depleted in humidity, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide (preferably substantially free of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide and more preferably free ofperacetic acid and hydrogen peroxide) and has a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15 % and a cfu / g of 500k or less.(d) Optionally contacting the pasteurized product B4, with a flow 993 of ambient air passing through the third portion of the grid 995 of the fluidized bed dryer 971, close the outlet 975 of the fluidized bed dryer 971, for cooling the pasteurized product B4 and obtaining a corresponding cooled and pasteurized product B4’.(e) Recovering from step (c2) the pasteurized product B4 or from step (d) the cooled and pasteurized product B4’, having• a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15%, and• a cfu / g of 500k / g or less.(f) Subjecting the pasteurized product B4 obtained from step (e) or the cooled and pasteurized product B4’ obtained from step (e) to a milling step, by introducing the pasteurized product B4 or the cooled and pasteurized product B4’ in the mill 935 via the inlet 933 and obtaining at the outlet 945 a product C which is a powder or flour of the product B4 or B4’, and having• a moisture content varying from 0.8 % to 15%, and• a cfu / g of 500k / g or less.

[0315] If the flow 974a is not contacted with the flow 996 (i.e. step (d) is omitted and the flow 974a only merely flows over the second section of the grid 995), then at the outlet 975 the flow 976 is a flow of the pasteurized product B4 rather than a flow of the cooled and pasteurized product B4’.

[0316] The moisture content and the pasteurisation level of the pasteurized product B4, the cooled and pasteurized product B4’ or the product C may be determined by usual quality control tests which are well known to persons skilled in the art. As an example, the measure of cfu / g may be obtained according to BAM method and plating may be completed using 3M aerobic count petrifilms.

[0317] According to another preferred aspect, the Applicant surprisingly discovered that according to the present technology, it is possible to obtain a pasteurized product B4, a cooled and pasteurized product B4’ or a product C which is substantially free of peracetic acid (PAA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) because PAA and H2O2 decomposes after controlling the targeted at least one pathogenic agent. According to another preferred aspect of the technology, eventual residues of PAA and H2O2 are negligible and in most cases undetected and / or are below 10 ppm H2O2 and 10 ppm PAA.Variant K

[0318] With reference to Fig. 11a and 11b, there is illustrated a system 1001 allowing to carry out a variant K of the process according to the technology. Also, according to other aspects of the technology, some optional alternatives and / or preferred embodiments of said system 1001 are described below.

[0319] The system 1001 comprises a spinning mixing drum 1011 (e.g. a continuous mixer) and a continuous fluidized-bed dryer 1071. The spinning mixing drum 1011 and the fluid-bed dryer 1071 are common commercial devices well known to person skilled in the art and do not need to be defined in detail.

[0320] The spinning mixing drum 1011 is provided with an inlet 1015, an inlet 1017 and an outlet 1019. The inlet 1015 is in fluid communication with a source 1013 of a product A to be treated, said product A having an initial load of at least one pathogenic agent. The product A may be selected from the group consisting of whole seeds, whole spices, whole herbs, parts of seeds, parts of spices, parts of herbs, fragments of seeds, fragments of spices, fragments of herbs, and mixtures thereof.

[0321] The spinning mixing drum 1011 may be fed with a desired amount of the product A by any appropriated means, via the inlet 1015. Said appropriated means may be selected amongst any one well known to person skilled in the art. As an example, said appropriated means may comprise conveyor or as illustrated in Fig.11a, a piping 1014 comprising a blower 1016. Said piping 1014 is in fluid communication with an outlet of the source 1013 and the inlet 1015, for transferring aflow 1021 of the product A corresponding to the determined amount of the product A in the spinning mixing drum 1011 via the inlet 1015.

[0322] The spinning mixing drum 1011 may be fed with a determined amount of the aqueous solution of the peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide by any appropriated means, via the inlet 1017. The aqueous solution of the peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide may originate from a source 1023 of said aqueous solution. Said appropriated means may be selected amongst any one well known to person skilled in the art. As an example, said appropriated means may comprise a piping 1020 and a pump 1022 (preferably a dosing pump). Said piping 1020 is in fluid communication with an outlet of the source 1023 and the inlet 1017, for transferring a flow 1025 of the aqueous solution corresponding to the determined amount the aqueous solution of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Also, the inlet 1017 may be further provided with sprinklers to improve dispersion of the flow 1025 of the aqueous solution against the product A to be treated.

[0323] Both flows 1021 and 1025 are mixed to provide a flow 1027 of a mixture M of the product to be treated and the aqueous solution of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, flowing through the outlet 1019 and continuously feeding (optionally via a chute) the fluidized-bed dryer 1071 via an inlet 1073.

[0324] The fluidized-bed dryer 1071 comprises the inlet 1073, the outlet 1079 and a grid 1095 which is in fluid communication with the inlet 1073 and the outlet 1075. The fluidized bed dryer 1071 is further provided with a hot air generator comprising a source of hot air 1081 and a blower 1089 providing a flow 1090 of hot air, a steam generator comprising a source of hot air 1083, a source of steam 1085 and a blower 1091 providing a flow 1092 of a mixture of hot air and steam; and an ambient air generator comprising a source of ambient air 1087a and a blower 1093 providing a flow 1096 of ambient air.

[0325] After a determined mixing time, the flow 1027 falls (optionally via a chute) in the inlet 1073 of the fluidized bed dryer 1071, and then on a grid 1095 of a fluidized-bed dryer 1071. Optionally, the inlet may be at a 45° angle to ease collecting themixture M flowing out the outlet 1019 of the spinning mixing drum 1011 and subjected to vibrations (e.g. 45 to 65Hz) to assist the flow of the mixture M (which may be a sticky mixture) to fall into the fluidized bed dryer 1071. Vibrations may be generated by any appropriate vibration generators well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail.

[0326] According to a preferred aspect of the technology, the grid 1095 may be slightly inclined (and optionally subjected to vibrations varying from 45 to 65Hz ) to ease the flow 1074 of the mixture M flowing on a first portion of the grid 1095, and a flow 1074’ of the mixture M1 flowing on a second portion of the grid 1095 toward the outlet 975. Alternatively, according to another preferred embodiment, the grid 1095 may be level (and optionally subjected to vibration varying from 45 to 65Hz). Preferably, a constant infeed of the fluidized bed dryer 1071 conveys over the grid 1095 the flow 1074 of the mixture M, and the flow 1074’ of the mixture M1, from the inlet 1073 toward the outlet 1075. Again, vibrations may be generated by any appropriate vibration generators well known to persons skilled in the art and do not need to be described in detail.

[0327] Also, according to another embodiment, to help controlling the period of time the flow 1074 flows on the first portion of the grid 1095, and the flow 1074’ flows on the second portion of the grid 1095, the fluid-bed dryer 1071 may be provided with one or several weirs (not illustrated), preferably four weirs, which are movable from a down position stopping at least one of the flows 1074 and 1074’ to a up position allowing at least one of the flows 1074 and 1074’ to move toward the outlet 1075. According to a preferred...

Claims

CLAIMS1. A process for pasteurizing a product having an initial load of at least one pathogenic agent, the process comprising:(a) contacting an aqueous solution comprising peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide with the product to obtain a mixture ; and(b) contacting the mixture with at least a first flow of steam and hot air at a temperature of between about 200°F and about 270°F and obtain a pasteurized product which is depleted in moisture, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide.

2. The process of claim 1, wherein the at least first flow of steam and hot air comprises between about 5 % to about 95% steam, and between about 95% and about 5 % hot air by volume.

3. The process of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least first flow of steam and hot air comprises about 95 % steam and about 5 % hot air by volume.

4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least first flow of steam and hot air has a volumetric airflow of about 500 CFM.

5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least first flow of steam and hot air has a mass flow rate of between about 100 Ib / hr to about 1,000 Ib / hr.

6. The process of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least first flow of steam and hot air has a mass flow rate of between about 100 Ib / h and about 700 Ib / hr, and preferably between about 300 Ib / hr and about 600 Ib / hr.

7. The process of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising contacting the mixture with at least a first flow of hot hair at a temperature of between about 200°F to 270°F to obtain a mixture depleted in moisture.

8. The process of claim 7, wherein contacting the mixture with the at least first flow of hot hair is:i) before b);ii) after b); oriii) before b) and after b).

9. The process of claim 7 or 8, wherein the process comprises contacting the mixture with the at least first flow of hot air before b), and b) comprises contacting the mixture with a first and a second flow of steam and hot air.

10. The process of claim 9, wherein contacting the mixture with the at least first flow of hot air is at a temperature of about 265°F and contacting the mixture with the first and second flow of steam and hot air is at a temperature of between about 230°F and about 240°F.

11. The process of any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the at least first flow of hot air has a volumetric airflow of about 500 CFM.

12. The process of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein contacting the mixture with the at least first flow of steam and hot air is for between about 1 minute and 10 minutes.

13. The process of any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising contacting the pasteurized product with at least a first flow of ambient air to cool the pasteurized product after b).

14. The process of claim 13, wherein the at least first flow of ambient air has a volumetric airflow of about 500 CFM.

15. The process of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the pasteurized product has:i) a moisture content of between about 0.8 % and about 15%;ii) a cfu / g of 500 k / g or less;iii) a log reduction of microbial count of between about 4 and about 6, preferably of about 5, relative to an untreated product;iv) a water activity (Aw) of between about 0.2 and about 0.3; or v) any combination of i) - iv).

16. The process of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the pasteurized product is substantially free of the peracetic acid and / or the hydrogen peroxide.

17. The process of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein contacting the aqueous solution with the product is for a period of between about 20 seconds and about 240 seconds.

18. The process of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the aqueous solution comprises:(i) about 0.1 wt.% to about 0.8 wt.% of peracetic acid;(ii) about 0.5 wt.% to about 4.0 wt.% of hydrogen peroxide; and(iii) water.

19. The process of claim 18, wherein the aqueous solution further comprises acetic acid, sulfuric acid, and / or at least one additive.

20. The process of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the aqueous solution further comprises at least one solvent selected from a glycol ether, a propylene glycol, an ethylene glycol and an alcohol of formula ROH, wherein R is a linear C-i-Ce alkyl or a branched C3-C6 alkyl.

21. The process of claim 20, wherein the at least one solvent represents about 1 wt.% to about 40 wt.% of the total weight of the aqueous solution.

22. The process of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the aqueous solution is contacted with the product at a rate of 25 to 400 liters per metric ton of the product.

23. The process of any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the at least one pathogenic agent is a bacteria, a fungi, a yeast or a mold.

24. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the at least one pathogenic agent is a bacteria.

25. The process according to claim 28, wherein the bacteria are from a Salmonella ssp., E.coli spp., Listeria spp., or are Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens, Staphylococcus aureus, or E.faecium.

26. The process of claim 23 or 24, wherein the bacteria are E. faecium.

27. The process of any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the product is at least one of an herb, a vegetables, a spice, a seed, or parts or fragments thereof.

28. The process of claim 27, wherein the seed is a cereal, pseudocereal, nut, nutlike gymnosperm seed, bean, seed for sprouting, seed spice, or seed of a crop transplantable from greenhouse to field.

29. The process of claim 27, wherein the seed is a seed of barley, fonio, maize (corn), pearl millet, oats, palmer's grass, rice, rye, sorghum, spelt, teff, triticale, wheat or wild rice.

30. The process of claim 27, wherein the seed is a seed of grass, maize, wheat or rice.

31. The process of claim 27, wherein the seed is a seed of breadnut, buckwheat, cattail, chia, flax, grain amaranth, kahiwa, pitseed goosefoot, quinoa or wattleseed (also called acacia seed).

32. The process of claim 27, wherein the seed is a nut selected from almond, beech, brazil nut, candlenut, cashew, chestnut, coconut, colocynth, Cucurbita ficifolia, filbert, Gevuina avellana, hickory Terminalia catappa, hazelnut, Indian beech, kola nut, macadamia, Malabar chestnut, pistachio, mamoncillo, maya nut, mongongo, oak acorns, ogbono nut, paradise nut, pili nut, walnut and water caltrop.

33. The process of claim 27, wherein the seed is a nut selected from almonds, coconuts, peanuts and cashews.

34. The process of claim 27, wherein the seed is a nut-like gymnosperm seed selected from cycads, ginkgo, Gnetum gnemon, juniper, monkey-puzzle, pine nuts, and podocarps.

35. The process of claim 27, wherein the seed is a seed of cempedak, coffee, egusi, euryale ferox (fox nut), fluted pumpkin, hemp seed, jackfruit, lotus seed, Malabar gourd, pumpkin seed, sunflower seed, sesame seed and Tahini.

36. The process of claim 27, wherein the seed is a seed of bambara groundnut, chickpeas, cowpeas, dry beans, fava or broad beans, hyacinth bean, lablab, lentils, lupins, Moringa oleifera, peas, peanuts, pigeon peas, sterculia, velvet beans, winged beans, yam beans and soybeans.

37. The process of claim 27, wherein the seed is a seed for sprouting selected from alfalfa, clover, fenugreek, lentil, pea, chickpea, mung bean and soybean; oat, wheat, maize (corn), rice, barley, rye, kamut, quinoa, amaranth and buckwheat; oilseeds, brassicas, crucifers, broccoli, cabbage, watercress, mustard, mizuna, radish, daikon (kaiware), rocket (arugula), tatsoi, turnip, carrot, celery, fennel, parsley, onion, leek, green onion, spinach, lettuce, milk thistle and lemon grass.

38. The process of claim 27, wherein the seed is a seed spice selected from ajwain, carom, alligator pepper, mbongo spice, mbongochobi pepper, hepper pepper, allspice, anise, aniseed myrtle, annatto, borage, black cardamom, black mustard, blue fenugreek, blue melilot, brown mustard, caraway, cardamom, celery seed, clove, coriander seed, cumin, dill seed, fennel, fenugreek, grains of paradise, grains of Selim or Kani pepper, juniper berry, kala zeera, kala jira, black cumin, Kawakawa seeds, keluak, kluwak, kepayang, kikam seed, korarima, Ehiopian cardamon, false cardamom, mace, mahalab, saint Lucie cherry, black mustard seed, brown mustard seed, white mustar deed, yellow mustard seed, nigella, kalonji, black caraway, black onion seed, njangsa, djansang, nutmeg, black pepper seed, green pepper seed, black pepper seed, star anise, sumac, Szechuan pepper, Sichuan pepper, vanilla and wattleseed.

39. The process of claim 27, wherein the seed is a seed of a crop transplantable from greenhouse to field and is selected from basil, bell pepper, broccoflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cantaloupe, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, eggplant, head lettuce, honeydew, muskmelon, onion, radicchio, romaine lettuce, squash, tobacco, tomato and watermelon.

40. The process of claim 27, wherein the product is basil, parsley, thyme, coriander, cilantro, marjoram, fennel, dill, cumin, chili, peppers, paprika, bay leaf, onion, garlic, ginger, nettle leaf, oregano, rosemary, spinach, clove, poppy seed, sage, savory, tarragon, turmeric, mustard or mint.

41. The process of claim 27, wherein the product is an onion, basil, or a cayenne pepper.

42. A pasteurized product, a powder or a flour thereof obtained by a process as defined in any one of claims 1 to 41 having:i) a moisture content of between about 0.8 % and about 15%;ii) a cfu / g of 500 k / g or less;iii) a log reduction of microbial count of between about 4 and about 6, preferably of about 5, relative to an untreated product;iv) a water activity (Aw) of between about 0.2 and about 0.3; orv) any combination of i) - iv).

43. A pasteurized product, a powder or a flour thereof having:i) a moisture content of between about 0.8 % and about 15%;ii) a cfu / g of 500 k / g or less;iii) a log reduction of microbial count of between about 4 and about 6, preferably of about 5, relative to an untreated product;iv) a water activity (Aw) of between about 0.2 and about 0.3; orv) any combination of i) - iv).

44. A system for pasteurizing a product having an initial load of at least one pathogenic agent, the system comprising components as defined in any one of the previous claims and / or as defined herein to perform the process as defined in any one of the previous claims and / or as defined herein.

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