FDA Approves Inneo as Aid to Combat Listeria in Food Processing

The US Food and Drug Administration and the US Department of Agriculture have granted GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status to INNEO, a food processing aid made to eliminate Listeria monocytogenes.

The technology was developed by Canadian biotechnology company Innodal and uses antimicrobial peptides to eliminate the pathogen. With this approval, Innodal is set to launch industrial-scale projects with US processing companies, marking its entry into the US market.

Inneo, Innodal's flagship product, has been successfully commercialized in Canada for four years and will now be available to the US. Designed to target Listeria monocytogenes — a serious foodborne pathogen responsible for listeriosis — the new processing aid has proven significantly more effective than traditional chemical treatments in industry trials, particularly against strains that have led to major food recalls in North America.

With its potent antimicrobial action, Inneo enhances the safety of ready-to-eat foods, thereby reducing public health risks associated with Listeria contamination. This clean label, natural solution preserves the taste, color, and texture of food. Inneo can be used by food processors without requiring ingredient label updates, simplifying operations, and minimizing waste.

Listeria can live in refrigerated environments and survive in food processing facilities, which makes it a constant challenge to food safety. Eliminating the bacteria from food products is crucial for public health and preventing costly recalls. 

''Achieving GRAS status for Inneo reinforces our commitment to innovation and food safety,” said Laurent Dallaire, CEO and co-founder at Innodal. “This official recognition now allows American food processors to use Inneo in full compliance with FDA regulations, opening new possibilities. We are convinced that this new step will contribute to improving the quality and safety of food products globally.''