SBIR-STTR Award

The contamination and sanitation inspection and disinfection (CSI-D) system developed under this proposal is in response to food safety subsection of the special COVID-19 USDA NIFA SBIR Program. SafetySpect proposes developing a fast convenient and easy to use handheld system for infection prevention related to COVID-19 in food preparation and serving facilities. Novel aspects of the CSI-D solution include the combination of contamination identification and immediate remediation of the potential threat (bacteria virus) using UVC light disinfection and documenting this process to provide traceable evidence of disinfection. This system provides evidence for follow-on investigations such as tracing cross-contamination and tracking sanitation in addition to training cleaning crews and assessing and improving processes and sanitation standard operating procedures (SSOPs). SafetySpect’s new technology will improve safety for food processing staff cleaning staff as well as food service customers. The objectives of this SBIR Phase I proposal are: (i) Design and build the CSI-D prototype and software (ii)Validate the illumination system uniformity and effectiveness of viral disinfection and(iii) Perform an optical safety assessment and develop personnel UV safety gear requirements and sanitation procedures. During this project SafetySpect will also analyze eye/skin safety issues related to UVC light exposure and create protocols for operating the system safely. This technology targets the institutional and restaurant food service industry. The restaurant industry market was mature before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Now the restaurant industry needs to adapt to current safety/environmental protocols in the hope to return to previous sales volume. The goal of SafetySpect is to provide this industry with a means to reassure their customers and staff that they can operate safely in this new reality.