Antimicrobial food processing aid against listeria approved for US use

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved an antimicrobial technology from a Canadian company as a food processing aid against listeria.

The FDA and the USDA have granted GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status to INNEO, developed by Canadian biotechnology company Innodal. The technology, commercialized in Canada for four years, uses antimicrobial peptides to target Listeria monocytogenes.

According to a news release, INNEO has proven more effective in industry trials against listeria strains, particularly those that have led to major recalls in North America, than traditional chemical treatments.

INNEO preserves the taste, color and texture of food, according to the release. As a recognized processing aid, INNEO can be used by food processors without requiring ingredient label updates.

Listeria monocytogenes, which can survive in refrigerated environments, is responsible for around 1,600 illnesses and 260 deaths annually in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Achieving GRAS status for INNEO reinforces our commitment to innovation and food safety,” Laurent Dallaire, Innodal CEO and co-founder at Innodal, said in the release. “This official recognition now allows American food processors to use Inneo in full compliance with FDA regulations, opening new possibilities. We are convinced that this new step will contribute to improving the quality and safety of food products globally.”