Salmonella-reducing antimicrobial seeks USDA approval

Pure Bioscience, creator of the patented silver dihydrogen citrate (SDC) antimicrobial, have successfully completed testing of SDC as a processing aid and intervention in the processing of poultry.

The testing demonstrated a materially significant reduction in salmonella contamination, representing a substantial food safety enhancement to current poultry processing. The company is preparing for submission to the USDA and FDA, seeking regulatory approval for use of SDC in direct food contact as a processing aid for poultry.

The extensive testing and evaluation of SDC for direct decontamination of chicken during processing was conducted by Dr James Marsden, a noted food safety scientist and expert at Kansas State University. The testing evaluated the incorporation of SDC as a component of an integrated food safety system that included existing interventions. The results showed that the combination of treatments has the potential to reduce Salmonella on raw poultry products to levels below the detection limit when SDC is included in the process. An added benefit of using SDC is that it is non-toxic and safe for users (no irritating “off gassing” that is present in many commonly used interventions).

Dr Marsden is preparing the submissions for the USDA and FDA, which will be made before the end of May. Concurrently, Dr Marsden is conducting similar testing for direct application of SDC in the processing of produce and meats.

“We are constantly searching for new, more effective technologies that reduce the presence of pathogens in food and, hence, the risk of food borne illness outbreaks,” said Dr Marsden. “The results of our testing conclusively demonstrate that incorporation of SDC in poultry processing would be extremely effective in dramatically reducing salmonella contamination.”

Hank Lambert, CEO of Pure Bioscience, said, “The conclusions reached by Dr Marsden in his rigorous testing and evaluation of SDC clearly demonstrate that SDC-based direct food application results in a material improvement in the killing of pathogens in the processing of poultry. While SDC is already registered with the US EPA and in use for indirect food contact applications, these impressive test results greatly increase the value of the SDC-based food safety solution that PURE is able to offer the food industry. We look forward to rapid commercialisation upon obtaining regulatory approvals,” Lambert concluded.