Food Safety Summit spotlights sanitation and inspection

Scheduled April 8-10 in Baltimore, the 2014 Food Safety Summit offers professionals a chance to meet to discuss issues impacting the industry. In addition to sessions led by multi-national food firms (including ConAgra Foods, Hormel Foods, Chiquita Brands), the event includes exhibits from a range of safety-focused suppliers.

Listeria detection​

The DuPont BAX System real-time PCR assay for genus Listeria is designed for quick, reliable detection of Listeria. The company reports it has been validated on food products, such as hot dogs, cooked shrimp, spinach, and queso fresco cheese, as well as environmental surfaces.

According to the manufacturer, the assay provides flexibility, allowing users to test for both Listeria and Salmonella in the same batch, with results for both in a little more than an hour. The automated BAX System uses PCR assays with tableted reagents and optimized media, with the ability to detect Listeria and various other pathogens.

DuPont Nutrition and Health, Booth 107

Product inspection​

Mettler Toledo is displaying its in-line product inspection technology suitable for various food product and packaging environments. Its products include Hi-Speed checkweighers, Safeline metal detectors, and x-ray inspection systems.

According to the manufacturer, the equipment offerings include technologies suitable for basic operations, up to sophisticated, customized systems. The systems reportedly can ensure weight range compliance, detect physical contaminants, and inspect contents inside closed packages.

Mettler Toledo, Booth 209

Whole-room sanitation​

Dow Microbial Control has introduced its Advanced Oxidation System, which users air and water to create a sanitizer to control surface and airborne pathogens. The technology reportedly can effectively eradicate microbes from an entire room, even hard-to-reach areas.

The AOS is said to combat any bacteria, viruses, yeasts, molds, and pathogens. The technology is designed t complement conventional cleaning and sanitation practices to work within a food operation’s plant space and operating constraints.

Dow Microbial Control, Booth 634

Food-grade lubricants​

Klüber offers a range of food-grade lubrication products designed for use in production of bakery goods. The products are suitable for ovens, freezers, conveyors, proofers, palletizers, and other production equipment.

According to the company, the H1 food-grade lubricants comply with NSF, USDA and FDA requirements, reportedly ensuring that taste and quality are maintained. Additionally, the lubricants are said to effectively protect chains, gears, rolling bearings, hydraulic systems, and other components from wear, corrosion and friction.

Klüber Lubrication North America, Booth 500

Safety audits​

ASI offers SQF certification audits, HACCP training and program write-up, SQF audits, ASI Food Safety GMP audits, and a third-party GMP audits for food processors, non-food processors, packagers, distributors and retail store chains. The firm’s consultants engage with key personnel at food firms to ensure the service is thorough and fits the particular needs of an operation.

According to the company, it provides thousands of audits around the world annually. It also conducts educational events focusing on food safety and food hygiene best practices, including seminars, webinars, and tradeshow sessions.

ASI Food Safety, Booth 405