SteriFx Antimicrobial Solutions

SteriFx, Inc. reports that its FreshFx® antimicrobial solution offers food processors a secure and powerful alternative to reduce the incidence of Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria) outbreaks and ensure food safety. The FDA and USDA have approved FreshFx as a food ingredient and shelf life extender, respectively. It decontaminates frozen or ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products, reducing the potential for disease and expensive recalls.

Listeria is among the most dangerous and lethal foodborne pathogens. It is ubiquitous and usually associated with RTE meat and poultry products such as hot dogs, deli meats, and naturally smoked whole birds or parts, representing a significant risk for contamination. It spreads easily on contact, may become airborne and continues to grow under refrigeration. Good plant sanitation is one way to help reduce the potential for contamination; but, it is not enough. Processors should seriously consider incorporating antimicrobial post-lethality treatments and growth inhibitors in their HACCP plans.

FreshFx can be used as a food ingredient or post-lethality antimicrobial rinse to control Listeria throughout processing and shelf life. In contrast to other treatments, FreshFx can be applied to products immediately after cooking or freezing and prior to packaging without affecting product quality.

“Our goal is to provide processors with a safe treatment to reduce and ultimately eliminate Listeria,” says John Dankert, Ph.D., SteriFx Chief Science Officer. “Incorporating FreshFx antimicrobial treatment within a Listeria control program will help prevent outbreaks, safeguard public health and avoid the damage of costly recalls and negative publicity.”

FreshFx is a safe and cost-effective means to control Listeria, keeping lunch meats and hot dogs safer for consumers. FreshFx derives its effectiveness from the ability to chemically and physically destroy pathogens. Independent testing demonstrated that FreshFx reduces Listeria by 2-3 logs in a short period of time. FreshFx is also effective against Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter and other foodborne pathogens. FreshFx is supplied as a stable solution concentrate that is diluted on-site for application, eliminating the need for chemical reactions or any special mixing equipment.

SteriFx professionals are ready and available to assist processors with microbial contamination and control. FreshFx antimicrobial solution is available immediately from SteriFx®, Inc.