AIRsteril Ultimate Range — ULT & ULTSA
Cold Room Air Disinfection That Extends Shelf Life
Continuous, automatic mould and bacteria control for cool rooms, cold storage, meat chillers and food processing environments. Independent laboratory trials show up to 58% longer shelf life and bacterial loads driven to near-undetectable levels — without chemicals, without downtime, without breaks in production.
If you store fresh food in a cold room, you already know the problem. Traditional cleaning, hydrogen peroxide fogging and chemical disinfection all share the same limitations: they’re labour-intensive, they require the room to be emptied of product and staff, they leave damp atmospheres that play havoc with electrics, and the moment the cleaning stops, bacterial multiplication starts again. A single bacteria can multiply into millions within hours.
AIRsteril Ultimate units run continuously, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year — inside your occupied cold room — driving down airborne and surface bacterial counts while your operation runs uninterrupted. They’re the technology trusted by EU-regulated meat processors, accredited bakeries, and butcher associations across the UK, Europe and Australia.
The Evidence: Independent Laboratory Trial Data
AIRsteril technology has been the subject of multiple independent third-party trials. These aren’t manufacturer marketing numbers — they’re documented field and laboratory results from accredited testing facilities across the UK and Europe.
ALS Rotherham cold room trial
reduction in cold storage
improvement (ALS lab)
Greek butcher trial
ALS Laboratories — 31-Day Cold Room Shelf Life Trial
A two-cycle, 31-day controlled trial conducted by ALS Laboratories (Rotherham) measured the effect of AIRsteril technology on a typical mixed-produce cold room. Phase 1 ran as a control. Phase 2 used identical conditions with an AIRsteril unit installed. Spoilage was determined by visible mould growth, detectable odour change, and unfitness for sale or use. The result: an average 58.1% increase in shelf life across products including asparagus, broccoli, cherries, cherry tomatoes, chestnut mushrooms, cucumber, grapes, green beans, peaches, raspberries and strawberries — with the largest gains in the most spoilage-prone items (strawberries went from 6 days to 15; broccoli from 18 days to 29).
EU Beef Slaughter Plant Trial (Commission Regulation EC 2073/2005)
18 carcasses from a beef slaughter plant were swabbed after slaughter and again after 48 hours of chilling. Half were chilled in an AIRsteril-equipped chiller, half in an identical untreated control. The control chiller showed Total Viable Counts between 1,000 and 2,500 cfu/cm² — well above the EU target of 250 cfu/cm². The AIRsteril chiller drove all 9 carcasses to 41–96 cfu/cm², comfortably below the regulatory target and well below typical industry benchmarks.
Greek Butchers Association Trial — Thessaloniki, 2021
Two butcher shops with comparable cold rooms participated in a three-month comparative trial sampled by accredited microbiological laboratory ALIMENT LAB. Baseline microbial loads exceeded 300 cfu/100cm². With the higher-output AIRsteril configuration installed, microbial counts fell to less than 1 cfu/100cm² — practically zero — in both stores. The unit producing those results uses the same five-technology approach as the Ultimate range we supply in Australia.
Stephen’s Fresh Foods — Replacing Hydrogen Peroxide Fogging
Stephen’s Fresh Foods, a UK cooked meats manufacturer operating since 1974 with their own accredited on-site microbiological testing laboratory, replaced their hydrogen peroxide fogging programme with AIRsteril Ultimate units. The trial — measured on their own lab equipment — showed swab results comparable or superior to fogging, but without the downsides: no plant shutdown, no chemical residue, no corrosion, no damp-atmosphere electrical problems. Their TVC test results are now reported as “consistently excellent.”
“With AIRsteril we have proven that science can provide us with a ‘belt and braces’ approach in addition to our existing best available techniques. Since installing AIRsteril, our bacteria TVC test results are now consistently excellent and we are committed to keeping it that way.”
— Gary Luff, Production Manager, Stephen’s Fresh Foods
Commercial Bakery — Pichia anomala Mould Resolution
A major UK bakery was being forced to dispose of large volumes of gluten-free product due to Pichia anomala mould contamination (described by tasters as a “pear drops” off-flavour). The Environmental Agency advised there was no solution because the mould was ubiquitous in the environment. Independent testing at ALS Rotherham using Public Health England’s reference strain confirmed AIRsteril effectiveness: 83% surface reduction within 24 hours, undetectable by day two. Units were installed in all five of the bakery’s plants. The contamination problem has not recurred.
How AIRsteril Works: Five Technologies in One Unit
The Ultimate range doesn’t rely on a single technology. AIRsteril combines five complementary mechanisms inside a single sealed cabinet — air is drawn in by a low-power fan, passes through a baffle system that maximises dwell time in the purifying chamber, and leaves the unit as an active cleaning agent that continues to work on airborne and surface contamination throughout the room.
- Dual UV-C germicidal irradiation — destroys the DNA of bacteria, viruses and mould inside the chamber
- Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) — UV reacts with a titanium dioxide catalyst to generate hydroxyl radicals that break down VOCs and odours
- Superoxide ions — negatively charged ions cluster airborne particulates (down to 0.0001 micron) so they fall out of the air
- Targeted ozone — controlled, low-level ozone reaches surfaces and corners conventional methods can’t penetrate
- “Plasma Quatro” — the combined effect of the above mechanisms working together on contaminants in the room
A Note on Ozone — Honest Framing
Unlike our APCO platform (which is zero-ozone, designed for residential and commercial, occupied spaces), the AIRsteril Ultimate range produces controlled levels of ozone as part of its disinfection mechanism. This is deliberate and necessary — it’s what allows the unit to reach surface contamination in corners, on coil fins, behind racks, and in the cracks where bacteria thrive in cold rooms. Ozone emissions are substantially below the most stringent worldwide emissions regulations for occupied environments, and the unit is safe for use in occupied food processing areas. If you need zero-ozone air treatment for a residential or healthcare setting, whilst the AIRsteril Ultimate range can be UVC only lamps, this may not be the right product for your specific needs — therefore we suggest looking at our APCO range, for HVAC systems instead.
If you’re treating a working cold room, food processing facility, butcher chiller or commercial kitchen, the AIRsteril controlled-ozone approach is precisely what you want.
ULT vs ULTSA — Which Model for Your Application?
The AIRsteril Ultimate range comes in two cabinet sizes designed to match the volume of the room being treated. Sizing is based on volume (m³), not floor area — a 30m² butcher’s chiller with a 2.4m ceiling is a different problem from a 30m² display fridge that’s only 1.8m deep.
AIRsteril ULT — Ultimate
For larger cold rooms and processing areas
- Available in 4 configurations (ULT1 / ULT2 / ULT3 / ULT4)
- Coverage up to 440m³ per unit
- 4 × 20W food-grade FEP-wrapped UV-C lamps
- 915mm × 290mm × 172mm cabinet
- 85 watts total power
- IPX5 waterproof stainless steel
- Dual cam locks for secure cabinet closure
- 13kg, wall-mounted
From $6,498.80 inc GST
Indicative price — quote on application
AIRsteril ULTSA — Ultimate Small Area
For smaller cold rooms and chillers
- Single configuration
- Coverage up to 110m³ per unit
- 1 × 20W food-grade FEP-wrapped UV-C lamp
- 550mm × 250mm × 125mm cabinet
- 22 watts total power
- IPX5 waterproof stainless steel
- Same proven Plasma Quatro technology, compact format
- 6kg, wall-mounted
From $2,807.82 inc GST
Indicative price — quote on application
Quick sizing guide
- Small chillers & display fridges (under 110m³): 1 × ULTSA
- Medium cold rooms (up to 220m³, around 90m² floor): 1 × ULT2 or 2 × ULTSA
- Large cold rooms & boning halls (up to 440m³, around 100m² floor): 1 × ULT4 (the standard supplied configuration)
- Larger or multiple connected rooms: multiple units — we’ll spec it on application
Final sizing depends on room geometry, airflow, contamination load and operational hours. We’ll work it out with you when you request a quote — there’s no extra cost and it prevents the wrong-product problem.
AIRsteril ULTSA installed in a working cool room — continuous protection without interrupting daily operations.
Real-World Applications
Butcher Cold Rooms
The original AIRsteril application. Drives Total Viable Counts on meat surfaces to a fraction of regulatory targets, extends carcass hang times and reduces shrinkage from spoilage. Independently verified across UK and EU butcher operations.
Meat Processing & Boning Halls
Replaces or supplements chemical fogging programmes. No production downtime, no chemical residue, no damp atmosphere. EU-regulated processors using the same technology have met EC 2073/2005 hygiene standards on every sampled carcass.
Bakery Cold Storage
Specifically validated against Pichia anomala (a yeast-mould responsible for off-flavour contamination in gluten-free product). Also effective against Aspergillus fumigatus and similar fungal contaminants.
Restaurant & Hospitality Cool Rooms
Extends produce shelf life dramatically — soft fruit, herbs, salad greens, dairy. The ALS trial recorded a 58.1% average shelf life extension on a typical mixed-produce load. Less waste, fewer mid-week emergency deliveries, better food cost margins.
Supermarket & Retail Cold Storage
Reduces shrinkage in back-of-house cold rooms holding pre-display fresh produce, deli items, and pre-pack meat. Continuous treatment means consistent results — no batch-to-batch variability from cleaning schedules.
Listeria-Sensitive Environments
AIRsteril has full laboratory testing on Listeria monocytogenes and L. innocua in cold-room conditions. ALS results: counts driven from 2 log cfu/cm² to undetectable within 3 days. Particularly relevant for pre-cooked food production and ready-to-eat operations.
Technical Specifications
How to Order — Quote, Deposit, Delivery
Because AIRsteril Ultimate units are specialist commercial equipment with site-specific sizing requirements, we don’t sell them through the standard online cart. Here’s how the buying process works:
- Request a quote using the form on our contact page. Tell us the cold room dimensions, what you’re storing, and any specific contamination concerns.
- We’ll call you within 1 business day to confirm sizing, discuss installation considerations, and answer any questions.
- You receive a formal written quote with the exact unit specification, price including GST, and delivery timeframe.
- Confirm with 50% deposit. The unit is then ordered from the UK manufacturer — typical lead time is approximately 3-4 weeks.
- Balance payment on delivery. We arrange shipping to your site Australia-wide.
Installation is performed by a qualified electrician — wall-mounted with 4 fixing points and connected to 220-230V mains. We can recommend installers in most Australian capital cities, or your existing maintenance electrician can do it.
Food Industry Professionals, HACCP Consultants, Facility Engineers
We support food industry clients, refrigeration contractors and HACCP consultants with technical specification, sizing for multi-room facilities, and supporting documentation for food safety audits. If you’re specifying air disinfection for a food processing project, a butcher operation, a bakery, or any cold-storage application — we can provide trade pricing, technical support and case study references on request.
Mention “trade enquiry” in your message for priority response.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to run AIRsteril in occupied cold rooms with staff working inside?
Yes. The UV-C lamps are sealed inside the stainless steel cabinet — no UV light escapes the unit. Ozone emissions are controlled to substantially below international occupied-environment thresholds. The units are specifically designed for continuous operation in occupied food processing areas, including boning halls and processing lines, and have been in use across UK and EU food businesses for years.
Does AIRsteril replace traditional cleaning?
No — and you shouldn’t treat it as a replacement. AIRsteril is a continuous “belt and braces” addition to your existing food safety programme. You still need physical cleaning of surfaces, equipment and walls. What changes is that traditional cleaning becomes the periodic baseline, while AIRsteril runs continuously between cleans to suppress regrowth and reach areas physical cleaning can’t.
How is this different from chemical fogging or peroxide sprays?
Chemical fogging requires the room to be empty of staff and product during treatment — production stops. It leaves chemical residue and a damp atmosphere that causes corrosion and electrical problems. AIRsteril is continuous and silent — staff work normally, product stays in place, there’s no residue, no moisture, no corrosion. The Stephen’s Fresh Foods case study found AIRsteril results comparable or superior to hydrogen peroxide fogging, without any of the operational downsides.
What maintenance is required?
Annual lamp change and internal clean — that’s it. Lamps must be replaced with the exact same specification to maintain performance (we supply these). Servicing should be performed by a qualified person with the power isolated. Each unit uses water-resistant lamp holders and connectors specifically designed to handle the moist environment of a cold room without ingress.
How quickly does it start working?
AIRsteril units begin treating the air immediately on switch-on. Bacterial reduction is measurable within hours, and the unit reaches peak performance within approximately 14 days as cumulative effects build up on surfaces. The Listeria laboratory trial recorded undetectable counts within 3 days; the Pichia anomala bakery trial showed 83% surface reduction in 24 hours.
Will the ozone affect my products or food?
No. Ozone levels are controlled to well below regulatory thresholds for food processing environments. The technology is in use across EU-regulated meat plants, accredited bakeries, and supermarket cold storage operations — all environments with strict food safety oversight. If you have specific concerns about a particular product or process, we recommend discussing it with your HACCP consultant alongside the trial data.
What’s the lead time and how do I pay?
Lead time is approximately 3-4 weeks from order confirmation. Payment is by 50% deposit on order, with the balance due on delivery. We’ll send you a formal written quote after your initial enquiry — no commitment until you accept the quote. Pricing shown on this page is indicative only; your formal quote will be specific to your sizing requirements.
Can you supply case study references for my industry?
Yes. We can provide the complete case study documents — including the ALS Rotherham laboratory reports, the Greek Butcher Association comparative trial, the Stephen’s Fresh Foods endorsement, the Bakery Pichia anomala resolution and the EU beef trial results — on request to qualified food industry buyers. Mention “case study request” in your enquiry.
Ready to Talk About Your Cold Room?
The biggest cost of mould and bacterial growth in cold storage isn’t the cleaning — it’s the product you throw away. The ALS trial averaged a 58% shelf life increase. For a butcher, a restaurant, a food processor or a supermarket, that’s significant money.
Or call us directly: (07) 3705 5995
AIRsteril is a registered trademark. Australian Ultra Violet is the authorised Australian distributor of the AIRsteril Ultimate range. All laboratory data, case studies and trial figures referenced on this page are independently sourced from ALS Laboratories (Rotherham, UK), ALIMENT LAB (Thessaloniki, Greece), the Butchers Association of the Prefecture of Thessaloniki, Stephen’s Fresh Foods (UK), and AIRsteril Ltd manufacturer documentation. Full source documents available on request to qualified buyers. Pricing shown is indicative only; formal quotes are site-specific.