Aurora Products will use the Neo-Pure system on its range of nut, seed and grain products, including cashews, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts and chia and flax seeds.
The packer of natural and organic dried fruits, nuts, trail mixes, salad toppings and granolas plans to offer Neo-Pure as a service to industry to mitigate risk and meet Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) requirements.
Woodland Foods will use the system on the seeds, grains and nuts it offers, including sesame seeds, quinoa and chia.
Applied at processing sites
Neo-Pure is a liquid from plants that is applied onto food in the firm’s system as an intervention step at processing sites. It is validated to achieve a 5-log reduction Salmonella.
It denatures cell membranes and DNA of unwanted microbes via the transfer of electrons. Throughput is up to 10 tonnes per hour.
Agri-Neo said pathogen control is moving beyond traditional methods such as pasteurization, fumigation and irradiation.
Stephanie Blackwell, founder and president of Aurora Products, said Neo-Pure provides validated food safety.
“It allows us to continue to provide the superior products our customers expect and introduce a best in class food safety service for brands and others in the industry looking to address food safety risk."
Non-thermal attributes
Rob Wong, Agri-Neo president and COO, said as consumers move toward healthier, organic, raw and natural foods the firm can meet the food safety requirements of these ready-to-eat products.
“The organic, non-thermal attributes of the Neo-Pure system, and its ability to address the risk of pathogens without impacting taste or nutritional value of the product provides a clear differentiator for our food processor, ingredient supplier, co-packer and distribution customers,” he said.
“Neo-Pure's validated ability to address pathogen risk with no impact to taste or the nutritional characteristics of foods provides tremendous value to businesses across the food service industry looking to enhance food safety and maintain organic certifications.”
David Moore, CEO of Woodland Foods, said the system further differentiate the company in the market place.
"We operate our facilities to conform with the most stringent quality and safety standards in the world and in Agri-Neo have a food safety partner that strengthens our ability to deliver clean, high-quality ingredients.”
Earlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Neo-Pure as an antimicrobial for food safety on seeds, grains and nuts. The firm also has Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) backing.