Ecolab develops product to zap bacteria on fresh produce

Ecolab Inc. claims its new Antimicrobial Fruit and Vegetable Treatment product can remove 99.9 percent of E.coli, Listeria and Salmonella found on fresh fruits and vegetables, according to a news release.

The St. Paul-based company says the new product is the industry's first no-rinse produce wash to earn both EPA registration and FDA clearance.

“Our customers count on us to provide products that help deliver clean, safe and healthy environments everywhere it matters – and the food safety arena is particularly important,” Kris Kielsa, vice president of marketing of Ecolab's Institutional Division, said in a statement. “Feedback from our foodservice customers indicated a need for a product that is not only effective, but easy to use in a busy commercial kitchen."

The Antimicrobial Fruit and Vegetable Treatment will be unveiled this weekend at the annual National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago.