Lab Tests Prove International Dispensing Corporation Multiserve SafePaks Maintain Sterility Without Refrigeration

New York, NY - International Dispensing Corporation recently announced that The Answer passed a series of food safety tests conducted by IEH Laboratories and Consulting Group, a leading food and beverage testing laboratory. The Answer, the world's only certified aseptic dispensing tap, is the core technology behind Multiserve SafePak , a new flexible packaging growth category.

The tests confirmed that The Answer can maintain sterility of low and medium viscous liquids for weeks of continuous dispensing in normal non-refrigerated conditions. None of the bags tested in this mode broke sterility during the 35-day test period. The tests also validated that The Answer can maintain sterility for over three weeks even when the inside of its nozzle is swabbed and incubated with abnormally high levels of microorganisms. While such conditions are unlikely to occur in real life, it points to the rigors of the IEH testing protocols.

"Shelf-stable products have existed for years in single-serve packages, but now, thanks to The Answer, a safe, multi-serve package that does not require refrigeration is available to brand owners and foodservice operators," says Greg Abbott, founder and chairman of International Dispensing Corporation. "Our Multiserve SafePak is the only large-format package of its kind able to deliver safety, quality, and taste, and we believe these test results are what the industry has been waiting for – an innovative packaging category and a new growth platform to reach the consumer. The ramifications of being able to dispense without refrigeration or preservatives are mind-boggling, both in terns of opening new markets and having a positive impact on the environment."

Says Jarret Stopforth, Director of R&D and microbiologist for IEH, "When IDC asked us to develop protocols and conduct testing, we were skeptical that The Answer could stand up to such rigorous testing. Our test results validate that The Answer performs without refrigeration as an aseptic tap, both under normal conditions and in worst-case scenario conditions."

On the heels of these tests, IEH has issued a white paper on Aseptic Processing and Dispensing, which concludes that "The Answer is the only commercial aseptic dispensing tap that has been validated and certified by three separate processing authorities." The white paper also asserts that The Answer "maintains sterility upon repeated uses in an ambient environment for at least 35 days dispensing …under normal conditions" and "maintains sterility upon repeated uses in ambient conditions for 23 days of dispensing … after spout was inoculated with excessive levels of bacteria and mold."

In addition to the white paper, IEH has presented a scientific paper on The Answer to the July, 2007 conference of the International Association of Food Protection (IAFP), a body consisting of scientists and FDA officials.

Multiserve SafePaks enable seniors, children, and people on-the-go to dispense juice, organic beverages, coffees and teas, fortified waters, dairy products, energy drinks, smoothies, and soups with just one easy push of a button.

Restaurants, foodservice operations, and coffee houses can rely on Multiserve SafePaks for greater safety and freshness of liquid ingredients.

Multiserve SafePaks with The Answer also have the potential to assist in humanitarian relief. Because refrigeration and power are not required, bulk liquid nutrition can be provided to impoverished populations, refuges, disaster victims, and the military.

For more information, please visit www.idcdispensing.com.

SOURCE: IEH Laboratories & Consulting Group