Food processing aid against Listeria gets approval for use in the U.S. market

A method of combatting  Listeria monocytogenes has emerged out of Canada just as the Boar’s Head outbreak has become a tragedy.  

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have granted GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status to INNEO, a food processing aid made to eliminate Listeria monocytogenes. 

This innovative technology, developed by Canadian biotechnology company Innodal, uses antimicrobial peptides to eliminate the harmful pathogen.  With its entry into the U.S. market, Innodal is set to launch industrial-scale projects with U.S. processing companies.

Listeria monocytogenes is feared by public health because it potentially has a high mortality rate. In a 2008 Canadian outbreak, that rate approached 40 percent.

INNEO is  Innodal’s flagship product.  It has been successfully commercialized in Canada for four years and will now be available in the U.S. market. Designed to target Listeria monocytogenes — a severe foodborne pathogen responsible for listeriosis — INNEO has proven significantly more effective than traditional chemical treatments in industry trials, particularly against strains that have led to major recalls in North America.

With its potent antimicrobial action, INNEO enhances the safety of ready-to-eat foods, thereby reducing public health risks associated with Listeria contamination. This clean-label, natural solution preserves the taste, color, and texture of food. As a recognized processing aid, INNEO can be used by food processors without requiring ingredient label updates, simplifying operations and minimizing waste.

Listeria monocytogenes is responsible for about 1,600 illnesses and 260 deaths annually in the U.S. alone. Its ability to thrive in refrigerated environments and survive in food processing facilities constantly challenges food safety. Its high mortality rate, particularly among vulnerable populations, makes the elimination of Listeria from food products crucial for public health and preventing costly recalls. 

Laurent Dallaire, CEO and Co-Founder at Innodal said: ”Achieving GRAS status for INNEO reinforces our commitment to innovation and food safety. 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 improve the quality and safety of food products globally.”

Innodal offers natural solutions to ensure food safety using natural antimicrobials derived from probiotic strains. Their mission is to protect consumers, and food from harmful contaminants such as Listeria, Salmonella, E. coli, etc. Food processors interested in enhancing food safety with INNEO are encouraged to contact Innodal for more information on integrating this solution into their operations at info@innodal.com

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