SmartWash Solutions’ Boost reduces E. coli risks on lettuce

(Courtesy SmartWash Solutions)

A U.S. Department of Agriculture study on SmartWash Solutions’ Boost, a patent-pending treatment for iceberg and romaine lettuce before washing, shows the treatment is effective in killing E. coli.

Boost, which combines Pure BioScience’s Silver Dihydrogen Citrate technology and SmartWash Solution’s chemistry, effectively boosts the ability of established free chlorine washes to kill E. coli, according to a SmartWash news release.

"This tool provides the additional incremental lethality needed to drastically reduce the potential for foodborne illness when coupled with SmartWash Solutions’ industry-leading wash system’s cross contamination control,” Steven Swarts, director of business development, said in the release. “This is a huge win for companies seeking to prevent recalls, protect their brand and assure consumer trust and safety."

USDA-Agricultural Research Service scientists presented a poster on the research at the virtual 2020 International Association for Food Protection’s virtual meeting in late October. The study seeks to gauge the effectiveness of Boost and evaluate the quality and shelf-life of treated fresh-cut vegetables.

The boost control system can be added to standard wash systems, and is available to the industry. Research shows it can increase E. coli die-off by more than 0.7 log.

"We have spent hundreds of hours working in our pilot plant to design the best wash system for cut products,” Swarts said in the release. “We are excited to receive third-party results that reinforce our internal studies, proving significant incremental lethality in the process."

Technical details on the process and study are available:

USDA-ARS presentation at the International Association for Food Protection’s virtual meeting;

White paper regarding benefits of Acidic Silver Ion pretreatment; and

Presentation overviewing research modeling process.

 

Latest News

Oppy hits the slopes with competitive skier partnership
Oppy hits the slopes with competitive skier partnership

Ski-cross athlete Emeline Bennett will share food tips, highlights and more through Oppy’s social media channels.

World Variety highlights combo pack of dragon fruit at AWG showcase
World Variety highlights combo pack of dragon fruit at AWG showcase

With more than 1,500 options among its offerings, World Variety Produce had plenty of options to highlight at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase, March 25-26.

AgroFresh bolsters postharvest solutions with Pace International purchase
AgroFresh bolsters postharvest solutions with Pace International purchase

The company says the acquisition will expand its postharvest portfolio and that it plans to collaborate with Valent BioSciences to develop future products to boost produce freshness.

Wonderful Citrus highlights Organic Halos, Seedless Lemons
Wonderful Citrus highlights Organic Halos, Seedless Lemons

Wonderful also promoted its No Shells pistachios, including its new Jalapeño Lime flavor, at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase.

NGA makes marketing hire, promotes government relations staffer
NGA makes marketing hire, promotes government relations staffer

The National Grocers Association has welcomed Caroline Sar as its manager of marketing and member engagement and promoted Max Wengroff to senior manager of government relations.

Vidalia onion promotions ready to roll
Vidalia onion promotions ready to roll

With Vidalia onions soon heading to supermarket shelves, retailers have options to enhance their marketing, and the Vidalia Onion Committee and Certified Angus Beef will feature a summer grilling series on social media.