Advancements within the field of food safety and product quality grabbed the top accolades at the IFT18 Food Expo Innovation Awards competition, which culminated with the public announcement and presentation of trophies to three innovative businesses – Handary S.A., Kancor Ingredients Ltd, and Novolyze – at the Sunday evening awards celebration.

 

Handary S.A. (booth S3286) was bestowed with the 2018 IFT Food Expo Innovation Award for its AntipackTM Active Antifungal Biodegradable Film, which can prevent mold growth by gradually releasing fermented sugar activities from the film onto the surface of solid foods such as semi and hard cheeses and dried sausages during their shelf life. The biodegradable, recyclable film utilises an advanced controlled-released technology to combine poly-lactic acid, fermented sugars, food cultures and fungal chitosan. 

 

Kancor Ingredients Ltd. (booth S0256) was recognised for its OxiKan CL - Natural Antioxidant Solution. The rosemary-based ingredient can extend the shelf life of a variety of products without imparting colour, flavour or aroma – even at dosages up to 400ppm. Available in water-soluble and oil-soluble versions, the natural liquid extract is well suited for products that are sensitive to aroma, colour and flavour, such as specialty fats, omega-3 fortified products, popcorn, and beverages. 

 

Novolyze (booth S5322) received the 2018 IFT Food Expo Innovation Award for its SurroNov® Dried, Ready-to-Use Surrogate Bacteria – harmless micro-organisms that mimic the inactivation of foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria and E. coli under different kinds of stress. Due to their safety, the surrogates can be used directly at the processing plant or pilot scale to test the efficacy of microbial kill steps and intervention steps such as extrusion, pasteurisation, drying, and roasting. 

 

“Amazing advancements”

 

The 2018 IFT Food Expo Innovation Awards were presented to the three companies at the awards ceremony by IFT President-Elect Designate Pam Coleman. “Now in its 12th year, the Food Expo Innovation Awards programme is a showcase for amazing advancements in our profession,” said Coleman. “Exclusive to companies exhibiting at the IFT18 Food Expo here in Chicago, these awards honour outstanding innovation in products, ingredients, technologies, instrumentation, equipment, and services that were commercially introduced since 1st January 2017.” 

 

A panel of 11 jurors from academia, government, and industry with wide expertise in research & product development, processing and packaging technology, and food safety selected the three companies and their innovations from 42 qualified entries. Judging criteria included the degree of innovation, technical advancement, benefits to food manufacturers and consumers, and scientific merit.