Ecolab has introduced a breakthrough product to help reduce the risk of foodborne illness outbreaks related to ineffective produce washing in foodservice operations.
Antimicrobial Fruit and Vegetable Treatment (AFVT) is the first no-rinse produce wash to earn both EPA registration and FDA clearance for pathogen reduction in the water for whole produce and on the surface of cut fruits and vegetables.
“Feedback from our foodservice customers indicated a need for a product that is not only effective, but easy to use in a busy commercial kitchen,” said Kris Kielsa, vice president of marketing, Institutional Division, Ecolab. “AFVT is just one example of how Ecolab is uniquely positioned to respond to the needs of our customers by delivering innovative products that help improve food safety.”
A recent study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that lettuce and other leafy green vegetables are the largest source of foodborne illnesses in the U.S. For less than a penny per plate, AFVT provides restaurant operators with an extra measure of protection against foodborne illness, helping to shield customers and the reputation of their brand, Ecolab says.
AFVT also provides a substantial improvement over current produce-washing practices, according to Ecolab. It enhances the appearance of produce, reduces bacteria that cause spoilage and leaves no smell or aftertaste. The company says one sink-full can clean a day’s supply of fresh fruits and vegetables — up to 200 pounds — making it affordable, easy and efficient to use in a busy commercial kitchen.
AFVT is registered with the EPA, indicating that it reduces 99.9 percent of E.coli, Listeria and Salmonella in wash water for raw agricultural commodities. The product also received FDA clearance confirming that the new fruit and vegetable wash reduces pathogens on the surface of cut produce.
According to the CDC study, some 2.2 million people get sick annually from eating contaminated leafy vegetables, which represents about 23 percent of the 9.6 million cases of foodborne illness each year. Ecolab claims AFVT can help lower the number of these cases by both reducing pathogens on the surface of produce and in the wash water.
Last year, Ecolab joined twenty-four major companies representing over $500 billion in combined revenues that agreed to incorporate ecosystems and biodiversity into their business strategies.
Get the latest insights, trends, and innovations to help position yourself at the forefront of sustainable business leadership—delivered straight to your inbox.
Founder, Hower Impact
Mike Hower is the founder of Hower Impact — a boutique consultancy delivering strategic communication advisory and support for corporate sustainability, ESG and climate tech.
Published May 14, 2013 6am EDT / 3am PDT / 11am BST / 12pm CEST