Powerful substitute for traditional food preservatives

BIOSECUR LAB INC., a privately held Canadian company that develops active antimicrobial ingredients, has launched FOODGARD™ at the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Annual Meeting & Food Expo 2015 in Chicago held from 12-14 July.

Described as a “citrus extract” for use as an antimicrobial and preservative in all non-standardized food categories, the clean label product received the FDA-GRAS status on 26 June 2015. Its development took four years of R&D and testing facilitated by Dr. Dieter Elsser-Gravesen, who heads up ISI Food Protection in Denmark and conducted extensive testing of the FOODGARD formulation.

“Lab tests confirm that FOODGARD is highly effective as an antimicrobial and preservative, making it a must to integrate in many food systems,” said Dr Elsser-Gravesen.

FOODGARD’s efficacy is further supported by the study of Research Laboratories in Sciences, Applied to Food of INRS - Institut Armand-Frappier in Canada, which has completed extensive ‘In Vitro’ and ‘In Situ’ tests on FOODGARD against gram (–) and gram (+) bacteria, total aerobic microflora and yeasts/molds in comparison with sodium benzoate. A video summarizing these findings may be viewed here.

“In vitro results show that FOODGARD is 10 to 1000 times more efficient than sodium benzoate against eight tested pathogens (Gram (+), Gram (-), yeasts and molds,” said Monique Lacroix, Ph.D and Professor of INRS - Institut Armand-Frappier. “It is the first time in my career that I have witnessed a natural compound eliminate as much pathogenic bacteria, yeast and mold even when it is used in very low dosage,” Ms Lacroix said.

Based upon AIBMR Life Sciences, Inc. understanding of FDA food labeling regulations, it is the professional opinion of Dr John Endres, from AIBMR that FOODGARD may be labeled as a ‘Natural Citrus Extract’ (as a preservative).

The product may be used in condiments, beverages, soups, dressings, desserts, egg products, dairy products (cheese), vegetables (salads) and nuts.