Novolyze works to strengthen control of microbial hazards

The ‘Alaka’ program aims to identify and produce non-pathogenic surrogate microorganisms that mimic the behaviour of enteric pathogens such as Norovirus and bacteria like Listeria.

These surrogates will be used by industry to validate the effectiveness of sanitation steps in pre-cut, fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables.

Research & Development activities started from November and last for three years.

The investment of Novolyze is €1.8m with a €0.9m grant from the French Government.

Novolyze is looking for industrial partners involved in the sanitation of pre-cut, fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables.

The work is part of a broader aim to improve environmental sustainability in the food chain by a better definition of treatment parameters and a lower use of chemical agents.

Karim-Franck Khinouche, Novolyze CEO and founder, said the award is confirmation of the validity and potential of its technology to improve food safety for consumers.  ​

“This award is valuable in many ways. We will have support to develop our product to serve an additional food segment (fresh and frozen produce) which will help consumers and Novolyze. The award continues to accelerate our momentum and development of IP (intellectual property).”​

The firm was awarded the 2017 Innovation Award by the International Association for Food Protection and recently added Dr David Acheson to the board.

Novolyze has also been selected to join the Terra Program in San Francisco. Terra is the Agtech Accelerator of Rocketspace and Rabobank.

Work started at the end of October and continues until February 2018.