Keeper® for Seafood
From the industry leader in chlorine dioxide technology for food processing applications comes Keeper – an FDA-approved seafood process operations additive.
Keeper is a highly-refined 3.35% sodium chlorite solution, scientifically-proven to inhibit antimicrobial and enzymatic activity. Developed from Bio-Cide International’s proprietary chlorine dioxide technology, the research-based additive controls a broad spectrum of microorganisms.
As a pioneering product in specialty chlorine dioxide, Bio-Cide International has been a leader in technical advances and government regulatory approvals. As a result, Keeper’s formulation is virtually an odorless, clear, stable solution, which can be stored, transported and used without special consideration.
Whether you’re on the boat, at the dock or in the processing plant, used properly – Keeper is non-corrosive, easy to use and most importantly – Safe.
Keeper is shipped as 3.35% Sodium Chlorite and does not require any special USDOT permits.
Has Keeper been tested and shown to be effective?
Tested extensively at the University of Florida’s Food Science and Nutrition Department, Keeper’s overwhelming success resulted in its approval by the FDA. Keeper’s testing included a series of microbiological, quality improvement analysis, shelf-life extension, nutritional value outcomes, and organoleptic evaluations. In addition, Keeper’s positive effects were proven on a wide variety of seafood products including Salmon, Grouper, Shrimp and Scallops – using both whole fish and fillets.
How is Keeper used?
Depending on conditions, Keeper is used at concentrations of between 40 and 50 ppm. Because Keeper is shipped as Sodium Chlorite – simply activate the solution with a small amount of GRAS acid (generally recognized as safe) – preferably citric acid before applying. This activation produces chlorine dioxide, and nearly instantly produces a highly-effective antimicrobial and enzymatic inhibitor. Once activated, add Keeper to the processing operation – water, ice, and washing or rinsing water. Most importantly, add Keeper when transporting your seafood to extend freshness.
What can I expect from using Keeper?
Keeper will inhibit antimicrobial and enzymatic activity as well as eliminate odors without affecting nutritional quality. In addition, seafood products treated with Keeper have added organoleptic qualities and increased shelf life. Adding Keeper to ice when transporting seafood will extend freshness.
What is the regulatory status of the FDA Food Additive Petition?
The use of sodium chlorite to control microorganisms in seafood process operations is published in the Code of Federal Regulations at 21 CFR 173.325. It should be noted that any seafood that is intended to be consumed raw will be subject to a potable water rinse prior to consumption.
Hard surface sanitizing
It is recommended that Oxine® be used as the general-purpose equipment and surface sanitizer to assure maximum pathogen control within the processing facility. Internationally recognized as one of the best sanitizers available, Oxine has been accepted as the premium sanitizer for critical point microbial control. It has been proven effective against Listeria, E.coli O157: H7, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and numerous other organisms of human health concern.
Uniquely, Oxine is extremely effective against biofilms which harbor and protect disease-causing organisms. The tandem use of Keeper and Oxine in your sanitation program will ensure that your facility will meet the guidelines set forth by HAACP standards. Most importantly, the assurance knowing your seafood products are safe and of the highest quality.