Second produce alliance member receives the AiroCideâ PPT Seal of Air Security Certification

The Jacksonville, Fla. Produce Alliance member, the Produce Distribution Center, qualified for the Seal of Air Security certification by implementing the AiroCide PPT air sanitizing technology for their facility. The AiroCide technology kills airborne mold and bacteria and removes harmful volatile organic compounds like ethylene, all of which cause produce to deteriorate. The first Produce Alliance member, Dixie Produce of Chattanooga, Tenn. has been using the AiroCide system since 2004.

The Seal of Air Security certification program is based on three core values: food safety, quality assurance and shelf-life extension. The program is designed to recognize leaders in the food, beverage and floral industries who use the AiroCide PPT technology to provide advanced air quality protection to their perishable facilities. This philosophy aligns perfectly with the Alliance’s goal of guaranteeing a constant supply of the freshest produce packed under the strictest safety standards to supply the highest quality distribution for their foodservice customers.

The Produce Alliance is a produce management service with over 33 independent fresh produce distributor members covering 38 states and purchases over 25 million packages of fresh produce each year. The Alliance’s focus is on cost and quality assurance efficiencies. Lee Pittman, president of Dixie Produce said the AiroCide technology helped him to reduce shrink by 24 % the first year and paid for itself within the first six months of use. “I noticed the difference in odor after the first day. I’m also looking forward to more efficient refrigeration due to cleaner coils and evaporator,” said Gary Hollins, operations manager for Produce Distribution Center.

The AiroCide technology is the only air treatment system that, after killing the microorganisms it comes in contact with, completely destroys them. The technology is not a filter, so it does not gather or collect harmful organisms. Because the 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.

By adopting the chemical-free technology, 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, “plug and play” technology. Stonyfield Farm, Coca-Cola, Del Monte Fresh, Esmeralda Farms and Beaulieu Vineyards are some industry leaders who use AiroCide PPT air purification technology.

AiroCide PPT systems contain 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.

Contact:

Kris Casariego
Director of Marketing and Communications
Phone: 404-372-2889
Website

Charlotte Pietrowski
Marketing Communications
Phone: (800) 627-4913 x 136
Website