Int’l - USDA Approves FreshFx Antimicrobial Solution From SteriFx for On-Line Reprocessing of Poultry; Significantly Reduces Salmonella, E. coli, and Other Food-Borne Pathogens

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved FreshFx® antimicrobial solution for On-Line Reprocessing (OLR) of poultry carcasses, giving commercial poultry processors the only non-toxic alternative to noxious chemicals currently being used for OLR, as well as being easy-to-use and extremely cost-effective. The use of FreshFx for OLR significantly reduces Salmonella and Escherichia coli (E. coli) on poultry carcasses when compared to those processed traditionally. The antimicrobial efficacy of FreshFx is based on the physical and chemical destruction of microbes, preventing the development of microbial resistance. In addition to the highly effective use for OLR, FreshFx has also been proven effective against pathogens when applied in the scalder, New York rinse, or even post-chill as a Salmonella intervention; and would be effective against Listeria as a processing aid in cook plants. FreshFx antimicrobial solution is available immediately from SteriFx®, Inc. (sales@sterifx.com ). FreshFx has also received the following clearances: -- Satisfied EPA requirements to be identified as a non-toxic agent -- USDA/FSIS clearance for use as a shelf life extender and food processing aid, and -- FDA recognizes all ingredients as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) "The approval of FreshFx is an important milestone in the reduction of Salmonella, E. coli and other harmful microbes which continue to present significant challenges to the poultry industry," said John Dankert, Ph.D., Vice President of Research and Development for SteriFx. "We greatly appreciate the contributions of the innovators in the poultry industry who provided the in-plant trials that permitted us to achieve this milestone." In 2004, FreshFx antimicrobial solution has been used to treat over 125 million birds in poultry processing plants. The USDA-required trials included a comparison of the number of E. coli and Salmonella-positive birds before and after either manual scrubbing off- line or FreshFx on-line reprocessing. Pre-treatment counts defined the initial load on the sample carcasses. Ease of Application FreshFx is easily applied and used in various processing applications. Only a simple dilution with water of an easily stored concentrate is required for a spray, mist, or dip application. No large capital equipment investments, plant modifications, safety procedures or alarms are needed. Many plants use their existing equipment to deliver FreshFx to the carcasses, which can be collected and re-used at earlier points along the line. There are no special or dangerous mixing steps or reaction required to generate antimicrobial activity. FreshFx has a shelf life of over two years. Additional Benefits FreshFx is not only beneficial for the poultry industry but also for the environment, when compared to other already-approved OLR agents. Processing plants switching over to FreshFx from TSP see a significant reduction in phosphate levels in their wastewater and do not have to acidify the chiller. FreshFx represents a new, safe and simple technology for ensuring food safety at an economical price. About SteriFx SteriFx, Inc., is a specialty chemical company specializing in antimicrobial solutions for industrial, consumer, healthcare, and defense markets. The patented formula is a low pH aqueous solution that is highly effective in controlling pathogens and is non-toxic. For more about SteriFx or FreshFx antimicrobial solution, please visit http://www.sterifx.com or contact Bill Mahon (bmahon@sterifx.com ) for Sales Inquiries, and John Dankert, Ph.D. (jdankert@sterifx.com ) for Technical/Scientific Inquiries.