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The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) have granted Generally Recognised as Safe (GRAS) status to Inneo, a food processing aid developed by Canadian biotechnology firm Innodal.
This approval allows US food manufacturers to use Inneo in their operations to combat Listeria monocytogenes, a pathogen responsible for severe foodborne illness.
Inneo uses antimicrobial peptides to effectively target and eliminate Listeria, which poses a persistent challenge within the food industry due to its ability to thrive in refrigerated conditions.
The pathogen is linked to approximately 1,600 illnesses and 260 deaths annually in the US, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as the elderly and immunocompromised individuals.
The product has been commercially available in Canada for four years, where it has demonstrated superior efficacy compared to traditional chemical treatments in industry trials.
Inneo’s performance against strains of Listeria that have led to significant recalls in North America positions it as a promising solution for US food processors seeking to enhance safety protocols and reduce the risk of contamination.
Laurent Dallaire, CEO and co-founder of Innodal, said: "Achieving GRAS status for Inneo reinforces our commitment to innovation and food safety. This recognition allows American food processors to use Inneo in full compliance with FDA regulations, paving the way for improved quality and safety of food products globally."
The clean label, natural formulation preserves the taste, colour and texture of food products, enabling processors to maintain product integrity while addressing safety concerns. Its designation as a recognised processing aid means that food manufacturers can incorporate Inneo without altering ingredient labels, streamlining production processes and reducing waste.
Innodal, which develops natural antimicrobial solutions derived from probiotic strains, aims to protect consumers from harmful contaminants such as Listeria, Salmonella and E. coli.
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