A long-term collaborative effort between casings supplier Viskase and specialty chemical company Rhodia Food has resulted in NOJAX AL, a cellulose casing that effectively reduces the risk of Listeria monocytogenes surface contamination in the production of hot dogs and other cooked sausage products.

The technology has won a GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe)endorsement from the US Food and Drug Administration and is fully approved for use.

Developed in the US, the innovation involves the application of a natural antimicrobial system developed by Rhodia to a meat surface via the cellulose casing manufactured and marketed by Viskase as NOJAX AL. According to the companies, after cooking and peeling away the casing, the resultant surface treatment on the hot dog or sausage demonstrates the definite kill ing of Listeria within the first few hours of package life, thus providing an effective safeguard in the event of a post-processing contamination episode.

The companies claim that extensive field testing has been conducted and confirmation testing is currently being conducted by US Department of Agriculture laboratories. Commercialisation of this technology is expected to take place early in 2003 following successful completion of the confirmation testing programme.

The companies maintain that the casing, when used in conjunction with standard safety and manufacturing practices, will provide the processed meat and poultry industry with an additional intervention strategy in its effort to control the risks of foodborne pathogen contamination of pre-cooked, ready-to-eat products.

Viskase Corporation is a worldwide leader in the supply of cellulose and plastic casings and operates manufacturing facilities in North America, South America and Europe.

Rhodia, a leading specialty chemicals, provides products for, among others, the food industry. The company employs 24,800 people worldwide and recorded sales of $6.5 billion in 2001.