Food Safe pushes its safety message

Aquentium CEO Mark Taggatz has emphasised key strategies on how the company's wholly owned subsidiary, Food Safe, is aiming to alleviate current fears within the food industry - an area of growing interest given the current political climate.

"A recent study indicated that spending patterns are dictated by fear. In order to feel safer about purchases, consumer concerns over crime, terrorism, food safety and disease determine their spending habits. Compounding these concerns is the fact that trust between consumer and supplier is rapidly diminishing, primarily as a result of food scares,"​ stated Taggatz.

Food Safe has developed food safety systems that kill pathogens and bacteria and also extends the shelf life for fruits and vegetables. The systems also remove pesticides and can guarantee not only a food-safe product at the processing and packing levels, but also all the way through the transportation and distribution channels until the product is delivered to the customer.

"Food safety and disease have more direct impacts on consumers' shopping decisions. The general consensus is that the biggest concerns to affect consumers are genetically modified (GM) foods, pesticides, contamination, and allergens,"​ added Taggatz.

According to the US Department of Agriculture, less than 2 per cent of all fruits and vegetables are pathogen, or "germ" free, at the initial packing point, with greater risk of pathogen growth during the distribution cycle.

Many companies specialising in food safety are currently promoting their business as a means of defence against the perceived threat of bio terrorist attacks. The current political situation means that that perceived threat is now mounting. Consequently, the possibility of terrorist attacks on food supplies is prompting many food companies in both the US and Europe to increase their expenditure on food safety - particularly in the areas of detection equipment.