Del Monte Fresh Produce approves AiroCide PPT air purifying technology for all avocado storage after test results show 99.9% ethylene gas reduction

A field trial conducted here shows ethylene gas concentrations were reduced by 99.9% in 72 hours by the AiroCide PPT photocatalytic air purifying technology. The test, conducted by Del Monte Fresh Produce Inc. personnel at its Atlanta, GA re-packing facility, showed a reduction of 43% in 24 hours, and 94% in 48 hours.

Del Monte Fresh Vice President of Quality Assurance Ross McKenney said, "the trial field test showed a dramatic and rapid ethylene reduction, with a fringe benefit of [airborne] microbial reduction." Based on these test results, AiroCide PPT will be standardized equipment for Del Monte Fresh avocado storage at all of its facilities. The technology is currently in place in Del Monte's Atlanta, Chicago and Philadelphia locations.

McKenney stated he performed extensive research on air sanitation systems before choosing AiroCide PPT to evaluate. The test took place in a banana ripening room filled with ethylene gas. Air samples taken at 24-hour intervals for three days and were sent to the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill for analysis of both ethylene and airborne microbials.

Ethylene gas, a naturally occurring plant hormone, causes fruits to ripen and decay and vegetables and flowers to wilt. Controlling ethylene gas in postharvest storage allows produce to be held for a much longer time and reduce costly shrink. Industry studies estimate post harvest loss from 25-46% at extremely low ethylene concentrations.

AiroCide PPT , a patented NASA technology, combines two known pathogen-killing techniques, photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) and ultraviolet light to break the bonds of volatile organic gases (VOC's) like ethylene and mineralize airborne microbes without using chemicals, ozone or oxygen ions. When these materials are exposed to ultraviolet light, hydroxyl radicals and super-oxide ions are formed. The radicals oxidize VOC's to reduce them to trace elements of carbon dioxide and water, and penetrate the cell membranes of both bacteria and mold spores to kill and decompose these organisms. More information and case studies can be found at www.airocide.com.

Because the AiroCide PPT technology was commissioned by NASA to clean the air for its space station program, design requirements specified the technology be energy efficient as well as environmentally and maintenance friendly. The largest size model draws a maximum amp draw at 120 volts of 3.4, discharging only clean air, keeping refrigeration coils cleaner and more efficient. Replacing the ultraviolet lamps is the only maintenance required on an annual basis, as opposed to reactive adsorbents with high consumable costs that do not address airborne microbial contamination. Lamp replacement as well as installation require no outside assistance.

AiroCide PPT is used in the perishable foods and beverages industries that include retail (grocery and floral), distribution (produce and floral), food and beverage and analytical laboratories (tissue culture and food processing). By adopting the chemical-free NASA technology of AiroCide PPT, these retailers, distributors, processors/manufacturers and scientists have increased their ability to offer a superior product that lasts longer, stays and tastes fresher with a clean, environmentally-friendly technology. Stonyfield Farm, Coca-Cola, DiMare Fresh, Esmeralda Farms and Whole Foods Markets are some industry leaders who use AiroCide PPT.

AiroCide PPT contains the same technology that is used in all AiroCide products that serve multiple industries and applications and is marketed by KES' affiliate company, KesAir Technologies also of Atlanta. AiroCide is an FDA Class II Medical Device.

For more information, contact Kris Casariego.

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Kris Casariego
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