In April, The University of Georgia (UGA) Research Foundation announced a new version of the FIT Fruit and Vegetable Wash ™. The foundation has licensed this formula to FIT manufacturer HealthPro Brands, Inc. This sterilization solution can now be used for a broader variety of purposes in grocery stores, dining facilities, and food processing plants.
This anti-microbial wash eliminates common sources of foodborne illness such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli. It is anticipated that HealthPro will make this product available as an additive and a spray as well as an immersion liquid. This will make it easy to apply directly to produce and meat. It can also be used to disinfect the interior of transportation vehicles and containers.
The solution is chlorine free and does not appear to alter the flavor or appearance of the foods it has been tested on so far. The FIT product is not as likely to irritate skin and eyes as mixtures containing chlorine. It is also easily portable so it does not have to be produced on-site like ozone. The formula has been shown to strip biofilm from surfaces. There is some evidence that it can destroy protozoa as well as bacteria.
One UGA technology manager claims that when the two main compounds in the new formula are mixed they create a synergistic biocide that kills almost 100% of bacteria on the target item. It accomplishes this task by breaking down cell membranes and disrupting the metabolism of the organisms.
So far, the results are showing that this formula offers a quick fix for the food germ problem. Treatment times of only 1 minute result in a significant reduction in pathogen load. UGA does recommend application times of up to 5 minutes to be on the safe side. The ideal concentration that should be used will also vary depending on the industry and specific items being disinfected. More detailed directions will become available as the product is tested further.
Super Secret Science
The precise list of ingredients for this wash are still shrouded in mystery. UGA officials so far are merely stating that at least two of its active chemicals are generally regarded as safe by the FDA. Whether or not the FDA and other regulatory agencies will approve the use of the updated product for specific applications remains to be seen.
Perhaps some hint as to the secret identity of these ingredients can be found in the MSDS page for the 2006 version of FIT. It contains water, citric acid, ethanol, grapefruit oil terpenes, and sodium lauryl sulfate. Anyone familiar with industrial chemistry will immediately recognize the basic ingredients of a mild detergent. The fruit based acids and oils give the formula a nice organic touch, but this is basically soap (not that there is anything wrong with that). Eventually, this newest FIT formula will probably find its place alongside other industry approved solutions used to maintain a sterile production and transportation environment.
If you are in charge of keeping your production line clean and sterile, you may need a steam sterilizer for processing steel instruments. Or, you may require an autoclave for reducing bio-hazardous waste into harmless landfill. Either way, our free report can give you a helpful overview of your options.
