SHREVEPORT, La., Jan 26, 2010 — Some relief for American poultry processors that wish to export their product to Russia: the newest antimicrobial solutions from SteriFx Inc. are an answer to the Russian ban on chlorine-rinsed poultry.

Its FreshFx line of antimicrobial solutions are all non-chlorine based, and have been in use for On-Line Reprocessing (OLR) and finishing chillers, as well as for applications throughout evisceration and secondary processing. In addition, SteriFx has added another product to replace chlorine in chillers and evisceration waters – ProtectFx.

ProtectFx is a peracetic acid (PAA) product that has an oxidizing chemistry, which can replace chlorine in poultry processing and provide excellent pathogen control. According to a 2008 Auburn University study, PAA was more effective than chlorine in decreasing Salmonella and Campylobacter in poultry carcasses, and the PAA-treated birds showed an extended shelf-life as well.

ProtectFx is easily adapted to current systems, and is cost-effective with minimal equipment required. John Dankert, Ph.D., CEO of SteriFx, says that the company’s technical support team will work with poultry processors to optimize the application of ProtectFx for efficacy and efficiency.

“We are experienced, and can move quickly to bring a processing plant into compliance,” he says. “For example, we received a call from one of our customers on New Years Eve, asking us to replace all chlorine in their plant with our FreshFx and ProtectFx solutions. By 4 a.m. on the first shift of 2010, they were producing chlorine-free chicken.”

Dankert adds, “Our FreshFx solutions for on-line reprocessing (OLR) have always been chlorine free. Our peracetic acid product was developed to help plants that could not use chlorine due to municipal water treatments that used ammonia, for OLR and salvage. This was in place when the Russians made their recent demands.”

SteriFx can also de-chlorinate incoming water to the plant using chemical treatments as opposed to costly filter units. In most municipal water systems, even that level of chlorine is too high to pass Russian regulations. The U.S. contends that chlorinated water is quite safe.

In addition, ProtectFx is an effective strategy for poultry processors if ammonia and/or chloramines are present, if chlorine is a problem due to gassing off or other safety issues, or if an intervention in chillers and finishing chillers is needed.

SteriFx antimicrobial products for OLR have been approved by the USDA, EPA and FDA. They contain non-toxic, low pH, aqueous solutions that have been proven to rapidly control pathogens, are easy to use, and adapted for industrial and consumer applications. While acidic, when used as directed, they are non-toxic to skin and eyes and safe for ingestion and inhalation. The new peracetic acid products are also easy to adapt to existing systems, and can be used to replace chlorine used in evisceration and chiller waters.

Representatives from SteriFx will be discussing all of its products from booth #5144 at the International Poultry Expo in Atlanta, Jan. 27-29.

SHREVEPORT, La., Sept 2, 2009 — Joseph P. O’Dowd has been appointed Vice President of Business Development for SteriFx Inc., a specialty chemical company that provides non-toxic solutions for pathogen control, food safety and other antimicrobial and decontamination markets.

In his new role, Mr. O’Dowd will oversee new business development for SteriFx products, which include wound care treatments, sanitizers and disinfectants. Areas of major focus include food safety, emergency first responder and military applications of SteriFx technology.

“Joe O’Dowd brings 28 years of business experience and a track record of commercial success to the SteriFx team,” says John R. Dankert, Ph.D., CEO of SteriFx. “He significantly bolsters the company’s ability to develop our base technology for new and novel applications by identifying and pursuing market opportunities outside of our current business, which is an important component for the growth of SteriFx.”

For the past two years, Mr. O’Dowd served as an independent business consultant focused on biotechnology. Prior to consulting, Mr. O’Dowd worked for Embrex Inc. for 10 years, most recently as Vice President Global Product Development and Supply/R&D.

He also spent 16 years with Solvay Animal Health in various capacities, including Vice President, Sales and Marketing – Latin America, International Marketing Director, and Regional Marketing Director – Asia/Pacific.

Mr. O’Dowd holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Asian Studies from California State University, Northridge, and a Master’s of International Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management.

“I am delighted to be joining an entrepreneurial organization such as SteriFx,” says O’Dowd. “I am looking forward to building on the company’s success as a supplier to the food processing sector by expanding its patented technology and product applications into human and animal health, first responder and defense markets.”

SHREVEPORT, La., March 19, 2009 — Dan Blackshear, one of the country’s foremost authorities in the poultry industry, has joined SteriFx Inc.
Mr. Blackshear brings 40 years of poultry expertise to SteriFx, a leader in developing non-toxic antimicrobial solutions for the food processing, food safety, healthcare, defense and other industries.

“We’re honored and thrilled to have Dan on board,” said John R. Dankert, Ph.D., CEO of SteriFx. “In his role as a corporate advisor, he will assist in helping SteriFx become the dominant provider of pathogen reduction solutions. Additionally, he will provide advice for entry into other markets for poultry and the entire food industry.”

Mr. Blackshear’s most recent experience was at Butterball LLC, where he served as President of Sales, Marketing and R&D, and advisor to the CEO. Prior to joining Butterball in 2006, for 12 years he was President and CEO of Carolina Turkeys, the fourth largest turkey processor in the United States. He was also on the leadership teams at Cuddy Farms Inc. and Pillsbury Farms/Country Pride Foods/ConAgra Poultry for 12 and 11 years, respectively.
Mr. Blackshear attended the University of Georgia, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture and a Masters degree in Food Science/Management.

“I’m excited to be a team member in this new, fast-growing company providing pathogen reduction systems to the poultry processing industry,” says Blackshear. “I’m also eager to introduce the great benefits of SteriFx products to other markets.”

SHREVEPORT, La., March 11, 2009 — Since 2003, SteriFx Inc. and its FreshFx antimicrobial solutions have proven to be effective on the poultry processing line against Campylobacter jejuni (Campy), as well as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. Now SteriFx can provide plant management another tool to help control Campylobacter by pre-screening birds for their current load of Campy at various points throughout processing.

“SteriFx now has the ability to measure levels of Campylobacter, and we can help processors get current levels in order to be better prepared for any new testing requirements,” said John R. Dankert, Ph.D., CEO of SteriFx. “We have been successful in this same regard for Salmonella, E. coli, and aerobic counts, and now can offer Campylobacter analysis.”

Campylobacter species have been recognized as one of the leading causes of food illness in the United States.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Campy is diagnosed in 13 cases each year for every 100,000 persons – although many more cases go undetected. It is actually estimated to impact over 2.5 million people annually, with a corresponding 100 to 200 deaths per year. A substantial portion of the illnesses and deaths are associated with meat and poultry.

To combat Campy in poultry processing plants, SteriFx personnel can provide Microbiological Testing Services, from collection of samples to data analysis. Then, by using FreshFx antimicrobial solutions as part of a company’s Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) efforts, it can control Campy and other pathogens –greatly reducing the risk of product recalls and helping to maintain consumer health.

FreshFx antimicrobial solutions are clear, odorless, digestible aqueous liquids that are non-toxic despite the low pH. They are easy-to-use and cost-effective. FreshFx solutions have been approved by the USDA for on-line reprocessing of poultry, and as a meat and poultry processing aid and shelf-life extender. Their GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status allows for the direct use on food products as a secondary food additive.

SHREVEPORT, La., June 6 /PRNewswire/ — SteriFx Inc., which manufactures FreshFx antimicrobial solution, recently confirmed that poultry processing plants using FreshFx to acidify the scalder water have demonstrated a reduction in pathogen load.

“We know that adding FreshFx to the scalder can result in pathogen reduction, but we wanted to determine whether or not it would carry through the processing line,” said John R. Dankert, Ph.D., CEO of SteriFx. “We sampled birds pre-scald as well as after the New York Rinse (NYR), which had a chlorinated water rinse, and noted pathogen reduction for the samples across the scalder and NYR cabinet.

“When FreshFx was added to the scald water, aerobic plate counts were reduced an additional two logs post-NYR, and an additional one log of kill for coliforms,” added Dankert. “So, the enhanced reduction of pathogen load achieved by the FreshFx-treated scalder carried through the pickers and into evisceration. This should increase the effectiveness of any pathogen interventions later on.”

This reinforces an October 2007 Watt Poultry USA article that identified FreshFx as “helping to solve the yield/pathogen reduction dilemma.” Citing recent studies in large-scale processing plants, University of Georgia Associate Professor of Poultry Science Scott Russell, Ph.D., stated that “adding an acidic disinfectant chemical (such as FreshFx) during scalding … benefits the system, allowing scalder temperatures to be lowered without the concern that Salmonella will begin to grow.”

FreshFx is USDA-approved for use anywhere along the processing line: pre-evisceration in the scalder, over picking rails and in the NYR; throughout evisceration and for on-line reprocessing (OLR) as rinses or dips; and for pH control in the chillers, as well as post-chill. Since its approval as a processing aid in January 2003, FreshFx has been used to treat over 2.5 billion birds.

“FreshFx can maintain antimicrobial activity even in the presence of the accumulated organic load found in scalder water and other immersion systems,” said Dankert. “This contrasts sharply with alternatives that would ‘gas-off’ at high temperatures or be inhibited by the organic load, reducing effectiveness.”

Plants report increased picking efficiency and less pin-feathers, even at the lower temperatures. The low pH of FreshFx acts as a “picking aid,” probably by disrupting connections between the feather and the follicle. The ability to use lower temperatures for scalding reduces energy costs and decreases the amount of fats and oils that are released from the birds. This enhances antimicrobial effectiveness throughout the plant and could result in increased yield.

“For plants with high incoming Salmonella loads, there is no single silver bullet for Salmonella,” said Dankert. “A multi-point step reduction is usually required, and our customers see significant reductions using this strategy. In addition, the ability to reuse FreshFx many times makes multiple interventions cost-effective, while reducing water use.”

• Provide water savings with each additional antimicrobial intervention by reuse
• Improve product quality by reducing microbial contamination
• Alleviate plant safety concerns because solutions are safe and non-toxic

FreshFx solutions are GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) compounds, and are most effective and economical when reused throughout the poultry processing line, says Dr. John R. Dankert, Ph.D., CEO of SteriFx Inc., manufacturer of FreshFx pathogen control products.

“Plants using FreshFx for on-line reprocessing (OLR) have seen the benefits of reuse,” he says. “The run-off from the OLR cabinet, after it has treated the carcasses, retains its efficacy – no additional antimicrobial needs to be added to it to reduce microbes, and it can be used directly for reuse.

“Not only can the plant save this volume of water, for example, by using it in the NY rinse cabinet, it also reduces pathogens at this earlier processing step,” adds Dankert. “We have many plants that reuse FreshFx many times – from OLR to NY rinse to pickers to scalder – and for each reuse the plant saves water and adds an additional pathogen control intervention step, providing a double benefit to the customer. These water conservation benefits are always important, but are especially critical for plants operating in the Southeastern U.S., where a persistent drought threatens water supplies.”

In addition, FreshFx can be used to acidify processing waters anywhere chlorine is used to enhance the microbial killing power of chlorine.

“The very low pH of FreshFx, or reused FreshFx, can be used to kill pathogens directly, but even when diluted it can help chlorine kill pathogens,” says Dr. Bruce W. Downs, Ph.D., COO of SteriFx Inc. “Even diluted thousands of times, FreshFx has been proven to increase the oxidation- reduction potential (ORP) of chlorinated waters – again saving water through reuse and helping the plant control pathogens wherever chlorine is used.”

What’s more, FreshFx is pre-mixed, which allows for a more consistent, and economical, pH control in areas like the chiller. Accidents that produce off- gassing are much less likely to occur using pre-mixed FreshFx for pH control.

“Since FreshFx is much more potent than other solutions in its ability to lower pH, we can provide for acidification at a lower cost and with more uniformity,” says Dankert. “This has greater importance for processing plants because new regulations require that they consistently maintain pathogen control. So using FreshFx removes a source of inconsistency and saves labor in that no mixing or dissolving of powders before use is required.”

FreshFx Antimicrobial Solution, which is used to reduce pathogens during poultry processing, was identified in an October 2007 Watt Poultry USA article as helping to solve the “yield/pathogen reduction dilemma.”

Citing recent studies in large-scale processing plants, University of Georgia Associate Professor of Poultry Science Scott Russell, Ph.D., stated that adding an acidic disinfectant chemical (such as FreshFx) during scalding “benefits the system, allowing scalder temperatures to be lowered without the concern that Salmonella will begin to grow. And, acids greatly improve picking.”

FreshFx is USDA-approved for use anywhere along the processing line: pre-evisceration in the scalder, over picking rails and in the New York rinse; throughout evisceration and for on-line reprocessing (OLR) as rinses or dips; and for pH control in the chillers, as well as post-chill. Since its approval as a processing aid in January 2003, FreshFx has been used to disinfect nearly 2 billion birds.

“FreshFx can maintain antimicrobial activity even in the presence of the accumulated organic load found in scalder water and other immersion systems,” said John Dankert, Ph.D., CEO of SteriFx Inc., which manufactures FreshFx. “This contrasts sharply with alternatives that would ‘gas-off’ at high temperatures or be inhibited by the organic load, reducing effectiveness.”

The ability to use lower temperatures for scalding reduces energy costs and decreases the amount of fats and oils that are released, which enhances antimicrobial effectiveness. Also, when less fats and oils are released, an increase in yield not related to moisture might be obtained.

Of course, lower temperatures can also create an environment where Salmonella and other pathogens can thrive, and also lead to less efficient picking and other problems. However, by introducing an acidic sanitizer like FreshFx into the scalder, Salmonella incidents are dramatically reduced, and the solution’s low pH acts as a “picking aid,” probably by disrupting connections between the feather and the follicle.

“The SteriFx team works with each plant to address problems of pathogen control, water-acidification, and water savings through re-use, as well as internal validations,” said Dankert. “It is possible that a single application of FreshFx solution used for OLR, then for pathogen control at the New York rinse and pickers, could then be used to acidify the scalders. This could represent cost and water savings — and less organic debris in the system — as less is extracted from the birds at lower temperatures.

“For plants with high incoming Salmonella loads, there is no single silver bullet for Salmonella,” he added. “A multi-point step reduction is usually required. Our customers see significant reductions using this strategy.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA/FSIS) recently approved a new low-phosphate antimicrobial solution for SteriFx, Inc, after reviewing the in-plant trial results gathered in 2006-07.

The solution – FreshFx® L-12 – is the next step in the FreshFx line of antimicrobials for on-line reprocessing (OLR) of poultry carcasses. The patented FreshFx formulas are GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe), effective in controlling Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter and Listeria in poultry processing, and can be used all along the processing line: scalders, pickers, NY rinse, OLR, chillers and post-chill, or to lower the pH of chlorine interventions.

“SteriFx used industry input to develop FreshFx L-12″, says John R. Dankert, Ph.D., CEO of SteriFx. “We specifically developed our new low- phosphate formula for processing plants that are sensitive to phosphates in their waste stream. It offers highly effective technology with minimal environmental impact. This product offers an excellent alternative to plants that are looking to move away from TSP because of wastewater concerns.”

FreshFx can be Recycled for Multi-Point Applications

“To effectively control Salmonella, especially when incoming loads are high, a multi-step intervention program is required,” says Dankert. Multiple FreshFx applications during poultry processing reduces pathogens by lowering the microbial counts, reducing cross-contamination and decreasing the bacterial load entering the chilling system. “The rinse from the OLR booth remains an effective antimicrobial and many of our users collect this for use in additional rinses, dip-tanks, or to acidify washers using chlorine to increase microbial killing capacity,” he says.

It also helps reduce water usage. This double-incentive has proved to be attractive for plants facing water restrictions or increased costs for waste water treatments.

FreshFx C-12 has been used for OLR since 2004. Both FreshFx solutions are simple, concentrated solutions that are diluted with water on-site, eliminating the need for any special mixing equipment or potentially dangerous chemical reactions. “Both FreshFx C-12 and L-12 are non-toxic and will not ‘gas-off’ like some other treatments do, which makes them safe for processing plant workers and federal inspectors,” says Dankert.

Customized Pathogen Control Solutions

The FreshFx system for OLR is highly versatile, can be used in large or small plants, and can be easily adapted to the plant’s current OLR equipment and cabinets. This makes the transition time faster, easier, less costly, and usually results in a safer system because no ventilation is required.

“An important part of our work with each plant is to understand their needs and capabilities to determine which FreshFx product they should use,” says Dankert. “We work with the plant to adapt their process to utilize FreshFx, to develop reuse applications, and to assess the efficacy of their chiller system.”

SteriFx offers an automated chiller management system to provide the “polishing kill” for Salmonella and other pathogens. As the use of either FreshFx solution for OLR reduces chiller pH, the task to increase chiller efficacy becomes easier.

“This corroboration from the FSIS is great news for poultry processors,” says John R. Dankert, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of SteriFx, Inc., which manufactures FreshFx. “Not only will it allow them to skip a water rinse in any post-chiller application, it also opens the way for secondary processors to use our product directly on poultry pieces and parts pre-grind to reduce Salmonella in ground products. This will also result in water savings for the plants using FreshFx in this way.”

This use of FreshFx is consistent with the Food and Drug Administration’s definition of a processing aid, and affirms that no labeling changes are required when used post-chill, or when used by secondary processors to reduce Salmonella. This does not directly impact users of FreshFx for any pre-chill applications, but it does offer them an added opportunity for a post-chill application to reduce Salmonella and/or extend shelf life.

FreshFx is a safe, non-toxic mixture of GRAS components. By applying FreshFx antimicrobial solution at multiple points during processing, poultry processors have seen an incoming 92 percent Salmonella rate (pre-scald) fall to 3 percent or less post-chill, based on recent testing validated by an independent testing laboratory.

SteriFx has received USDA approval for use of FreshFx as a processing aid anywhere along the processing line, and can be applied as a spray or used as an immersion dip. FreshFx can be used for On-Line Reprocessing (OLR). What’s more, because of the solution’s prolonged efficacy, FreshFx can be recycled back from the OLR application to either a pre-evisceration immersion tank, or back to the New York Rinse and then to the Pickers. This reuse permits multi-use/multi-application of the solution, providing an effective and economical means to reduce Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter and Listeria in poultry processing, which also reduces water use.

By applying FreshFx antimicrobial solution at multiple points during processing, the plant saw 92 percent Salmonella rates at pre-scalder plummet to 34 percent post-pick and fall again to a remarkable 3 percent post-chill. The samples were gathered by the processing company and analyzed by an independent laboratory.

“To reduce Salmonella levels appropriately, it has been determined that no single-point intervention will succeed if the birds entering the plant have high numbers of Salmonella present,” says John R. Dankert, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of SteriFx. “Using FreshFx at multiple points during processing significantly lowers microbial counts and reduces cross- contamination.”

According to the USDA/FSIS, 16.3 percent of the 9,592 broiler samples from processing plants of all sizes in 2005 tested positive for Salmonella — an 80 percent increase over 2000 results. Much of this upward trend is attributed to the cross-contamination that occurs in the picker.

SteriFx has received USDA approval for use of FreshFx as a processing aid anywhere along the processing line, and can be applied as a spray or used as an immersion dip. FreshFx can also be used for On-Line Reprocessing (OLR). What’s more, because of the solution’s prolonged efficacy, FreshFx can be recycled back from the OLR application to either a pre-evisceration immersion tank, or back to the New York Rinse and then to the Pickers. This reuse permits multi-use/multi-application of the solution, providing an effective and economical means to reduce Salmonella.

Multiple antimicrobial interventions ultimately provide decreased contamination for the final product, as well as improved product quality, reduced water use, and minimized reprocessing labor. “FreshFx is non-toxic and will not ‘gas-off’ at higher temperatures like some other treatments do, which makes it very safe for processing plant workers and federal inspectors,” says Dankert. “It is a simple, concentrated solution that is diluted with water on-site, eliminating the need for any special mixing equipment or chemical reactions.”

The patented FreshFx formula is GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe), USDA approved, and will yield the kind of results that the marketplace is demanding to control not only Salmonella, but E. coli, Campylobacter, and Listeria in poultry processing.