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Purfresh Transport Offers New Alternative to SO2 Pads for Maintaining the Quality of Grapes Shipped Worldwide
Studies confirm chemical-free, active atmosphere technology delivers higher-quality arrivals for organic and conventional fruit being transported long distances

Fremont, CA – August 5, 2009 – Purfresh, a provider of clean technologies that purify, protect, and preserve our food and water, today announced results of a series of table grape studies, all demonstrating that Purfresh Transport™ outperforms sulfur dioxide (SO2) pads for maintaining produce quality during long-distance ocean voyages. Unlike SO2 pads, the Purfresh active atmosphere technology has zero impact on taste and in replicated studies, across multiple table grape varieties, has shown to be more effective than SO2 at maintaining stem color, fruit pressure, and weight. Using Purfresh Transport, importers and exports now have a 100% residue-free alternative to protecting grapes being sold in the global marketplace.

Table grapes are particularly susceptible to airborne and surface microorganisms in high-humidity storage environments. Until now, undesirable chemicals, such as SO2 pads, were believed to be the only effective approach for controlling contamination. Over the past few years, the use of SO2 has come under scrutiny because of its effect as an allergen and its negative effect on grape quality. The side-by-side comparison studies were performed to explore the effectiveness of Purfresh Transport in preserving the freshness and quality of table grapes versus SO2 pads.

“Importers and exporters around the globe continue to seek out alternative ways to eliminate chemical usage, reduce waste, and improve the quality of fresh produce,” remarked Peter Wade, ocean transport expert and president of LA Marine. “With Purfresh Transport, there’s now a viable means to ship organic and conventional produce to worldwide destinations that were previously out of reach, and maintain fruit quality without the use of chemicals.”

Three studies were performed—Thompson Seedless grapes were on the ocean for 29 days from Chile to the United Kingdom, Red Globe grapes were shipped via a 38-day voyage from Chile to Hong Kong, and a 30-day simulated on-ocean lab study was conducted—in all tests the Purfresh system outperformed SO2 pads. With Purfresh, the grapes showed no incidence of Botrytis cinerea, experienced minimal reduction in fruit pressure and weight loss, and showed limited browning on the stems. In addition, all natural flavors of the grapes were maintained.

“Previously, shippers relied on costly and harmful chemicals to maintain the freshness of premium produce, like grapes,” said David Bouchard, general manager of post-harvest sales and field operations for Purfresh. “Our Purfresh Transport solution helps sustain and increase revenue from each shipment, and supports the growing consumer demand for reducing and eliminating chemicals in the foods we eat. With Purfresh Transport, everyone—from the grower to the consumer—benefits from fresher, safer, higher-quality produce.”

The Purfresh Transport system is scientifically designed to actively manage the atmosphere inside refrigerated containers throughout the voyage using powerful ozone molecules to kill molds, yeasts, and bacteria in the air and on surfaces—providing superior decay control without impacting the product’s natural characteristics. Certified organic and approved by the USDA and FDA, Purfresh Transport delivers where antimicrobials fall short by providing 100% residue-free decay prevention with enhanced food safety. In addition, Purfresh Transport has been proven to provide superior ripening control, making it an ideal solution for shipping climacteric and non-climacteric produce including citrus, berries, stone fruit, tropical fruit, and rhizomes.

About Purfresh, Inc.