Innodal's INNEO™ Receives USDA-FSIS Approval as Anti-Listeria Processing Aid

Innodal Celebrates USDA-FSIS Approval for INNEO™

Innodal, a leader in natural food safety solutions, has announced a significant regulatory milestone. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) has issued a No Objection Letter (NOL) authorizing the use of INNEO™ against Listeria monocytogenes in red meat and poultry products. This pivotal decision allows processors to implement INNEO™ as both a surface treatment and as an internal ingredient in ready-to-eat meat products.

What is INNEO™?

INNEO™ is a natural antimicrobial processing aid derived from bacteriocins—peptides specifically effective against Listeria monocytogenes. Previously recognized by the FDA with Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status, the recent NOL from USDA-FSIS paves the way for its wider adoption across the United States, reinforcing food safety standards.

The new ruling brings clarity essential for meat and poultry processors, confirming that the deployment of INNEO™ can comply seamlessly with FSIS regulations. With its dual application capabilities, INNEO™ promotes a robust Listeria control strategy while safeguarding the sensory qualities of products.

The Need for Enhanced Food Safety Solutions

Foodborne pathogens, like Listeria monocytogenes, represent a significant risk in the meat and poultry industries, prompting the need for effective antimicrobial interventions. INNEO™ showcases a powerful solution that does not compromise the quality, texture, or taste of meat products, which is critical for consumer satisfaction and safety.

Laurent Dallaire, CEO and co-founder of Innodal, expressed enthusiasm over the USDA-FSIS’s NOL, stating, “This No Objection Letter is a major milestone for INNEO™. It confirms that processors can confidently integrate our bacteriocin-based technology both on surfaces and directly into comminuted products.”

Integrating INNEO™: A Clean-Label Alternative

What sets INNEO™ apart from conventional antimicrobials is its clean-label nature. In a marketplace increasingly concerned with transparency in ingredients, the use of INNEO™ allows processors to maintain consumer trust while effectively ensuring food safety.

Trials conducted within the industry have demonstrated INNEO™’s strong performance against Listeria, with many processors likely to adopt its application as part of their standard operating procedures (SOPs) to enhance food safety measures. Furthermore, its recognition as a processing aid means operators can implement it without the need for changes in ingredient labeling, streamlining operational efficiency.

Looking Forward

With the USDA-FSIS NOL now in place, Innodal is poised to scale its operations further, especially after successfully commercializing INNEO™ in Canada. This anticipated growth in the U.S. market is not just about numbers, but also enhancing food safety for millions of consumers. By introducing INNEO™ into processing plants, there is now an opportunity to establish a more robust defense against Listeria outbreaks and bolster quality in meat production.

In conclusion, Innodal is on the precipice of advancing food safety in the meat and poultry sectors, and the regulatory approval of INNEO™ by USDA-FSIS marks a promising step in its mission to protect public health. Food processors looking to integrate this innovative solution can reach out to Innodal for more information on how to enhance their food safety protocols.