RF Biocidics, a food-safety company providing an environmentally friendly, chemical-free alternative for pasteurization and disinfestation of food, announced today that the Technical Expert Review Panel (TERP) recently validated results of RF Biocidics APEX 50 system at its Vacaville, California treatment facility. As a result of the validation, the Almond Board of California (ABC) added RF Biocidics to its list of Custom Pasteurization Processors.
Fortunato Villamagna, CEO of RF Biocidics, stated, "Receiving the TERP certification is a notable vote of confidence. We are now one of a select few treatment providers for the almond industry and the only non-chemical processor that does not use steam, roasting or blanching on products. Being named a Custom Pasteurization Processor demonstrates our commitment to consumer safety and providing the highest quality almonds. We are very proud to achieve this new status."
The RF Biocidics system surpasses well beyond the requirements for food safety in the United States and does so with minimal to no degradation of the sensory and quality characteristics of the commodity, such as the flavor, color, texture, or skin integrity. In addition, the system has been used to treat loose bulk, boxed, bagged and consumer packaged commodities.
All pasteurization technologies are first evaluated by ABC's Technical Expert Review Panel for their ability to provide the appropriate pathogen log reduction. Then, almonds treated using accepted technologies are submitted to third party experts for sensory and quality evaluations. This system validation is a critical transition for RF Biocidics, and represents another successful milestone for the company.
