FreshFx(R) Use at the Picker Decreases Salmonella Incidence in Poultry Processing

SHREVEPORT, La., March 22 /PRNewswire/ -- SteriFx, Inc. announces that FreshFx(R) antimicrobial solution is an effective treatment against Salmonella when used at the pickers as a rinse for the birds and picking fingers. In a recent meeting, "Advances in Post-Harvest Reduction of Salmonella in Poultry", the USDA/FSIS and ARS, in cooperation with numerous industry participants, reported on the incidence of Salmonella along the processing line, from scalder to post-chill. It was reported that the picker is the only point in the process that continually saw an increase in Salmonella incidence, speculated to be due to cross-contamination by the picking fingers. Recent results from in-plant trials using FreshFx, in contrast to current practice, demonstrate that the use of FreshFx at the picker actually decreases Salmonella incidence.

The unique, non-toxic formulation of FreshFx produces an antimicrobial product that will not damage picking fingers. Treatments using oxidizers such as chlorine degrade the rubber of the fingers. FreshFx will not "gas-off" at higher temperatures as some other treatments do, and functions even in the presence of the high organic load present at this stage of processing.

"The industry's all out effort to reduce Salmonella has led to an examination of the entire processing system to identify trouble spots, and the pickers have been identified by many as the one point in the process that introduces cross-contamination," says John R. Dankert, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of SteriFx. "FreshFx can be easily introduced into the picking rails, and the data show that FreshFx serves not only to inhibit cross-contamination, but to reduce Salmonella incidence, even when Salmonella loads are near 100%. And, for those using FreshFx at the New York Rinse, it is easy to take the used rinse and send it over the picking rails, giving a multi-point application to reduce Salmonella even further."

To reduce Salmonella levels appropriately, it is recognized that no single-point intervention will succeed if the birds entering the plant have high numbers of Salmonella present. FreshFx solution is USDA approved as an antimicrobial processing aid, and can be used in various steps during processing. This includes pre-evisceration over the Pickers and for the New York Rinse, post-evisceration for On-Line Reprocessing (OLR), the Chiller, and for Post-Chill Sprays and Dips. Multiple antimicrobial interventions ultimately provide operating cost savings through decreased contamination, improved product quality, reduced water use, and minimized reprocessing labor.

The patented SteriFx formula is GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) and USDA approved. It is a powerful antimicrobial treatment providing an extremely cost-effective means to control Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, and Listeria outbreaks in poultry processing. It is supplied as a stable concentrated solution that is diluted on-site for application, eliminating the need for any special mixing equipment or chemical reactions.

SteriFx professionals are ready and available to provide processors with antimicrobial assistance for microbial contamination and control. FreshFx antimicrobial solution is available immediately from SteriFx(R), Inc. (sales@sterifx.com ).

About SteriFx

SteriFx, Inc. is a specialty chemical company specializing in providing antimicrobial solutions for food safety, consumer, healthcare, and defense markets. The patented formulation offers a safe and revolutionary process for pathogen elimination on food products, equipment, wounds and skin.

For more about SteriFx or FreshFx antimicrobial solution, please visit http://www.sterifx.com/ or send inquiries to info@sterifx.com .

   John Dankert, Ph.D.                      Jane Bokun
   SteriFx, Inc.                            SteriFx, Inc.
   318-425-2515; jdankert@sterifx.com       318-425-2515; jbokun@sterifx.com