On the verge of launching the first-ever food treatment facility for Electronic Cold-Pasteurization™ (ECP™), ScanTech Sciences, Inc. has met with customers, industry leaders and government regulators alike on the future of food safety and trade implications for the U.S.
The 2018 United Fresh Convention & Expo provided an opportunity for ScanTech Sciences to discuss the forefront of these concerns specifically within the produce industry. The company’s proprietary post-harvest treatment process, Electronic Cold-Pasteurization™, was developed to address both phytosanitary and pathogen concerns for produce commodities. And ScanTech Sciences’ first facility – the Rio Grande Valley ECP™ Center – is strategically positioned in McAllen, TX less than two miles from a significant point of entry where 48% of produce is imported from Mexico.
Prior to the keynote presentation, ScanTech Sciences’ Chief Operating Officer & Co-founder, Chip Starns, met with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and Texas International Produce Association President & CEO, Dante Galeazzi, regarding how ECP™ could play a role in opening new export markets for domestic growers.
Through the benefit of phytosanitary control, ECP™ treatment can sterilize or kill invasive pests prior to exportation. Invasive pests are often the main inhibitors of trade, eliminating this factor would open new markets for American growers, thus stimulating production.
Secretary Perdue went on to address the concerns of both food safety and trade as part of the convention’s keynote presentation. “USDA and FDA joined together to streamline, harmonize and integrate produce safety requirements for farmers,” said Secretary Perdue. He also vowed to protect domestic growers from retaliation of China trade implications and streamline labor services. “Farmers need long-term legislative solutions to ensure that our food, our fresh fruits and vegetables, continues to be grown in the United States of America,” he said.
Secretary Perdue and his team realize the importance of the Rio Grande Valley ECP™ Center and look forward to the expansion of Electronic Cold-Pasteurization™ facilities for supporting the produce industry.
In closing, through participation in United Fresh’s Listeria Lab, ScanTech Sciences had an opportunity to educate Food Safety Directors on the emerging technology and treatment process of ECP™, and how it can support a safe, pathogen-free supply chain both for produce import/exports as well as domestic production – including but not limited to mangos, blueberries, pecans, peaches, leafy greens, etc. Meaningful discussions ensued regarding the benefits for growers and retailers in terms of mitigating risk and costs from potential outbreaks.
About ScanTech Sciences, Inc.
As the only designer, manufacturer, and operator of Electronic Cold-Pasteurization™ (ECP™) systems built exclusively for food treatment, ScanTech Sciences is setting a new standard in produce pasteurization. Dedicated to replacing dangerous chemicals and outdated phytosanitary treatment methods, ScanTech Sciences helps distributors, retailers, and food processors to improve quality and food safety across the supply chain. With our patented ECP™ treatment combined with comprehensive logistics and information, we extend produce shelf-life, enhance visibility and reduce compliance risk and costs. For more information, visit www.scantechsciences.com
Please contact marketing@scantechsciences.com for further press inquiries.
