US based Aquentium, a publicly traded diversified holding company has confirmed that it has acquired Food Safe.
Food Safe has developed food safety equipment and processes that kill pathogens and bacteria. This process also removes pesticides and can guarantee not only a food-safe product at the processing and packing levels, but also all the way through the transportation and distribution channels until the product is delivered to the customer.
"One of the most important elements of the food safety system is its ability to extend the shelf life of a product an additional 10 to 30 days. Considering that over 25-35 per cent of a grower's fresh fruits, vegetables and produce never reach an end-user, the extension of the life cycle of a perishable product is extremely beneficial to all parties, including the consumer or any end-user," stated Food Safe CEO, William Karney.
Currently, the food industry in the United States alone is an $800 billion market. According to the US Department of Agriculture, less than 2 per cent of all fruits and vegetables are pathogen, or "germ" free, at the initial packing point, with greater risk of pathogen growth during the distribution cycle, the company said.
According to a National Restaurant Industry's forecast for the next ten years, high-tech solutions will have a critical impact on food safety as higher consumer expectations will lead to improved handling and sanitation.
Utilising chlorine in conjunction with Food Safe 2600, (the company's proprietary surfactant used with chlorine based systems), ozone or electronic pasteurization along with the company's sanitising truck washers is said to virtually reduces all pathogens, including e-coli, salmonella, and listeria. This equipment and the company's food-safe processes provide a food-safe result for any and all product lines processed in this manner.
"The higher the expectations, the stronger will be the pressure on government agencies and lawmakers to provide stricter guidelines and regulations especially in the fresh fruits, vegetables, and produce industry," stated Aquentium CEO and President Mark Taggatz.