PURE gets approval for SDC as fresh produce processing aid

05-Jan-2016 - Last updated on 05-Jan-2016 at 16:54 GMT

CDC has identified leafy greens as the primary source of foodborne illness

PURE Bioscience's food contact notification (FCN) for silver dihydrogen citrate (SDC) as a fresh produce processing aid will become effective this week.

The SDC antimicrobial, the active ingredient in PURE Control, showed ‘materially significant’ reductions in pathogens including Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria when compared to processing aids used today, said the firm.

It follows the FCN becoming effective for use of the technology as a raw poultry processing aid.

PURE is targeting a meaningful share of the $300m+ US market for produce processing aids.

Hank Lambert, CEO of PURE, said fresh produce processors continue to combat contaminants (including Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria) that have persisted through processing.

“PURE Control can go a long way toward alleviating many of the foodborne illness outbreaks like those recently experienced by leading retailers and restaurant chains, as reported in the press, that were linked to produce processors.

“Both human health and brand reputation are at risk. Retailers, restaurant chains and suppliers are seeking opportunities to be safety leaders - and PURE Control offers a means to make food safer for consumers."

PURE Control can be applied as a spray or dip on produce intended for processing.