SBIR-STTR Award

Food safety is a priority goal for the USDA NIFA SBIR Program and the food industry forobvious food security public health and economic reasons. Hazard Analysis and CriticalControl Points (HACCP) systems have been implemented industry wide to manage operationaldisinfecting and cleaning but these approaches are not infallible. Technical solutions are neededthat can enhance current systems and reduce risk of food-borne illness. Because modularconveyor belts represent the second most prolific contact surface within typical food processingfacilities they pose a significant risk for cross-contamination and are a challenge to effectivelyclean. In this proposal Halomine Inc. presents HaloAdd™ a novel thermoplastic additive forpreventing pathogen cross-contamination and biofilms on modular conveyor belt applicationsusing a potent rechargeable antimicrobial plus anti-fouling technology.Our strong valueproposition includes broad spectrum activity against pathogens rechargeable potency bio- adhesion prevention safe durable and cost effective. Key objectives for the project include: 1)optimization of synthesis parameters to achieve maximum functionality 2) demonstration ofproduct safety for food contact and 3) confirmation that polymer material properties arepreserved. Once commercialized HaloAdd technology will leverage a substantial marketopportunity and will hold a unique competitive advantage due to its ability to pass the EPAcriteria for making supplemental residual antimicrobial claims when used together with chlorine- based disinfectants regularly.