Birkoside MP-2 takes on listeria on cantaloupe rind battle
Birko is offering a peroxyacetic acid (PAA) based formulation, Birkoside MP-2, that has been shown effective against listeria on cantaloupe rind, in response to concerns ahead of the growing season.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent a letter last month to the cantaloupe industry announcing it will inspect packing houses to identify any potential unsanitary conditions.
Cantaloupes rinsed with PAA showed a 99.2% reduction in listeria bacteria, compared to a 96.6% reduction when a sodium hypochlorite bleach rinse was used, according to a 2011 study from Enviro Tech Chemical Services.
“Cantaloupe growers and packers will need to ensure that their cantaloupe is free of pathogenic bacteria, including listeria,” said Dana Johnson, Birko’s produce specialist.
“Our Birkoside MP-2 can assist in that regard, along with taking a closer look at cleaning and sanitizing practices within the facility itself.”
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