Food safety: Global Food Protection Institute grants two awards to support start-ups

The Emerging Technology Accelerator (ETA), an initiative of the Michigan-based Global Food Protection Institute (GFPI), has announced investments in two start-ups that have developed products designed to rapidly detect pathogens in foods.

Selected from more than 40 companies seeking the funding, recipients are Seattle Sensor Systems and nanoRETE.

“One of the challenges in protecting the global food supply is having field-based technology that will detect potential problems more rapidly,” said Julia Bradsher, president & CEO of GFPI. “Providing entrepreneurial support to nanoRETE and Seattle Sensor will help fast track these technologies to market.”

nanoRETE, Inc. provides real-time detection of pathogens using customized nanoparticle biosensors. The company has developed a platform that has the ability to test for numerous pathogens and toxins (anthrax, E. Coli, salmonella, tuberculosis, etc.) using a simple-to-use handheld device that generates screening results in about one hour. The platform technologies were initially developed at Michigan State University in response to specific military requirements for food safety and security.

Seattle Sensors utilizes a portable surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology for the detection of biohazards in food and the environment. This technology is currently embedded in a rugged, portable SPR instrument. Based on research out of the University of Washington, the device will protect food sources by monitoring production and analyzing the factory environment for hazards. The platform can be customized to detect pathogens, allergens and toxins, quickly ruling out multiple biohazards simultaneously.

GFPI is a non-profit organization driving the adoption of food protection policies and practices for a safer global food supply. Its mission is to improve public health and reduce mortality, morbidity and economic costs associated with foodborne illnesses.

Start-up funding for GFPI is provided by the W.K. Kellog Foundation.