Research to explore anti-microbial food packaging

Summerland, BC – Innovative Food Systems has received funding of $261,000 from Agriculture and Agri-food Canada (AAFC) to allow its researchers to explore new anti-microbial food packaging technology.

The research will focus on adapting natural, known antimicrobial compounds into commercial packaging systems that will prevent against fungi, mould and bacteria..

With the new packaging, the quality and distribution of horticulture products could be extended from one week to more than a month.

“The support provided by AAFC is allowing Innovative Food Systems to develop this Canadian born produce packaging system to a new level that provides food safety and security,” said Dr Perry Lidster, president and CEO of Innovative Food Systems. “With this new technology, produce can be protected from many common food pathogens. This is important for fresh produce consumed in the home but also to the institutional food suppliers. This is a win-win for everyone.”