High Pressure Protection™ from Maple Lodge Farms
Recently there have been several events in the media involving food recalls which have caused many Canadians to feel increased concern about food safety. Research now shows that people are as concerned about food safety as they are about freshness - in fact, 92% of people report that it is one of their top considerations when making a decision to buy a food product.
We have taken these concerns seriously and as a result we are leading the industry by introducing High Pressure Processing (HPP) as an additional and final step to the production of all our deli meats. This advanced technology provides a high degree of food protection, and uses no chemicals in the process – something we thought you would appreciate.
Our High Pressure Protection™ technology is a revolutionary process in which foods are exposed to extraordinary pressures thereby disabling pathogens, such as Listeria, Salmonella and E.coli, that may later cause food-borne illness and harm human health. It also significantly reduces the levels of food spoilage organisms thus making your food stay fresh longer. High Pressure Protection™ technology has been added as an additional and final step to the production of all deli products from Maple Lodge Farms.
The science behind High Pressure Protection™ is well-proven. Foods being processed with this technology are loaded into a water filled vessel and pressurized to 87,000 psi and is maintained for three (3) minutes. This intense pressure disables virtually any potentially existing spoilage organism or illness-causing bacteria found within the product and package – not just on the surface. And most importantly it does all this using no chemicals in the process. As an added benefit, foods processed using this technology remain unaltered in any way - flavour, texture and nutrients are retained and food tastes fresh longer.
The goal at Maple Lodge Farms isn't just to meet industry standards - it's to exceed your expectations. As a family-owned company, we're proud to offer you this important innovation.
HPP FAQ's
Q- What is High Pressure Protection™ ?
A- Our High Pressure Protection™ technology uses High Pressure Processing (HPP), an advanced food processing system that uses only ordinary water under extraordinary pressure to significantly reduce the risk of contamination by illness-causing bacteria such as Listeria, Salmonella and E.coli during the production process. It also provides fresher taste and longer shelf life than conventional food preservation techniques.
Q- How does it work?
A- After our chicken deli products have been cooked and packaged, they're placed in the HPP vessel. The vessel is closed, filled with water and large intensifier pumps pressurize the water to extraordinary levels (87,000 pounds per square inch to be exact!). This enormous pressure exerts controlled energy equally on all sides of the product for several minutes which inactivates (renders harmless) most potentially existing spoilage organisms or illness-causing bacteria found within the product and package - not just on the surface. And most importantly it does all this using no chemicals in the process.
Q- How much is 87,000 PSI?
A- The deepest trench in the ocean exerts approximately 16,000 PSI pressure; sufficient to crush most living creatures and the hull of a submarine. High Pressure Protection™ technology typically operates at over five times this pressure - up to 87,000 PSI.
Q- Why doesn't high pressure damage the product?
A- Because pressure is applied in all directions uniformly, most products suffer no physical changes when pressurized. For example, a grape placed in a water-filled plastic bottle suffers no physical change, regardless how hard you squeeze.
Q- What is the benefit to consumers?
A- High Pressure Processing is an additional measure in our process that enhances the microbiological safety of the products processed this way. It inactivates several strains of bacteria (i.e. Listeria, Salmonella and E.coli) responsible for causing human illness and also reduces reliance on artificial preservatives or chemicals, so foods contain fewer ingredients you can't pronounce! The food is also uncompromised in nutritional value, appearance and texture, has extended shelf-life and a taste that remains fresher, longer. And, not only are we replacing chemicals with pure pressure but because products undergo HPP in their packaging, it ensures that potentially harmful bacteria remain sealed out of the package as long as the packaging remains intact.
Q- Is it okay to eat products bearing the High Pressure Protection™ logo after the best before date?
A- High Pressure Protection™ is not a substitute for proper safe food handling practices. Deli products bearing the High Pressure Protection™ symbol (as well as those that don’t) should be kept in a refrigerator set to 4°C or lower and should be consumed within 3 - 5 days of opening. High Pressure Protection™ is also not a substitute for stringent sanitation procedures in our plant – it is an additional intervention step added at the end of our production line that enhances the microbiological safety of these products.
Q- Is this a proven technology?
A- The extraordinary benefits of high pressure processing have been known to scientists for well over a century. Within the past decade, pioneering food companies have built this technology into a commercially proven, worldwide business worth over $2 billion dollars. HPP technology is approved by Health Canada, the US Food and Drug Administration and USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service as a treatment to control the risk of listeria contamination in ready to eat meat products.
Q- Do other countries offer HPP products ?
A- Food products using High Pressure Processing are now available from leading food companies around the globe, including the United States, Western Europe and Japan. Commercially available HPP processed foods include fruit smoothies, guacamole, ready meals with meat and vegetables, oysters, clams, lobster, ham, fruit juices and salsa.
Q- When will product be available in Canada?
A- The first Maple Lodge Farms High Pressure Protection™ processed products began shipping to grocery chains across Canada in April 2009. Look for them at your local grocery retailer.