The UK-based firm said the acquisition will allow the firm to strengthen its expertise in food safety techniques. Kaiku currently manufactures products that monitor changes in liquids, thereby allowing companies to spot microbial contamination, the firm said. GB Environmental spokesperson Richard Coney told FoodProductionDaily.com that the company has now set up a new business section - Kaiku Process Solutions - which will deal with innovations such as the i-pipe. The i-pipe, first launched by Kaiku in 2005, was designed as a non-invasive method of detecting contaminants in soft drinks, soups, sauces and purees. The technology works by measuring electrical charges that occur in liquids as their formulation changes. GB Environmental claims that the i-pipe warns the manufacturer immediately if the food product is out of specification, cutting the need for expensive laboratory testing. Coney also claimed that the acquisition will allow GB Environmental to expand its expertise in the field of UV treatment - used in the food industry as a non-chemical way of disinfecting liquids, solids or gases. According to the company, GB Envrionmental testing techniques can even ensure maximum protection against contagious diseases such as Salmonella and E Coli. "This acquisition brings together two companies with unique and complementary skill sets, which will help food processors and drinks manufacturers to successfully monitor, disinfect and purify processes across the industry," he added. However, the company would not reveal the cost of the acquisition.
