Apparatus and method for spraying food and food processing articles with antimicrobials and other agents

An apparatus for treating food articles and food processing articles, comprising:

• an enclosure comprising an outer shell defining a cavity in an interior thereof;
• a spray assembly disposed within the cabinet, the spray assembly including at least one spray nozzle configured to deliver a treatment agent having a first charge within the cavity of the cabinet;
• and
• at least one inner plate disposed within the cavity of the outer shell, wherein the at least one inner plate is electrically isolated from the outer shell,
• wherein the at least one inner plate is configured to be charged with a second charge of the same polarity as the first charge.

A method for spraying a food processing article with a treatment agent comprising

• disposing a food processing article in a cavity within an enclosure having an outer shell and at least one inner plate disposed in the cavity;
• applying a first charge to a treatment agent;
• applying a second charge to the at least one inner plate of the same polarity as the first charge;
• spraying the treatment agent into the cavity in a manner whereby at least a portion of the treatment agent is caused to be repelled by the at least one inner plate and to at least partially coat the food processing article.