U.S. Water News Online
SAN ANTONIO -- Texas researchers have utilized a
common drinking water disinfectant embedded into packaging
films and coatings to kill E. coli and other bacteria in
hamburger and other foods. Chlorine dioxide has been
integrated into biocidal polymers created by the Southwest
Research Institute in San Antonio.
The films and coatings, which can be used on paper
separating hamburger patties or interior surfaces of
cardboard boxes used to transport various foods, release the
chemical in response to increases in temperature and
humidity. Subject to approval by the federal Food and Drug
Administration (FDA), the packaging could eventually be
applied to plastic jugs containing bottled water.
"One of the predominant technical challenges was learning
how to control the release" of chlorine dioxide, said
Stephen Wellinghof, a materials chemist at the San Antonio
institute who helped develop the polymers. Wellinghof noted
that research eventually developed a means of releasing the
disinfectant at varying concentrations.
Bernard Technologies, a Chicago health and food safety
technology company, has an exclusive license from Southwest
Research Institute to sell the new disinfecting films and
coatings to food packaging companies. Along with a number of
other food industry firms, Bernard Technologies is seeking
FDA approval to use the new polymer in contact with food
products.
Return to the U.S. Water News' Archives page
Or
Return to the U.S. Water News Homepage
uswatrnews@aol.com