It was nice to meet new faces, reconnect with colleagues, and provide food safety information at the IFT 2016 Food Expo. Educating industry professionals about CitroBio Fresh Food Wash and how it can help extend the shelf life of products, reduce bacteria and contaminants, and increase food safety is our passion. If you missed us at the IFT Food Expo, and would like to learn more about CitroBio, please contact us here.
CitroBio is a citrus extract wash for Seafood, Meat, Poultry, and Produce. It extends shelf life and has proven effectiveness against E. Coli, Salmonella and Listeria among other pathogens. It does not change color or flavor but gives a better quality and appearance, no rinsing is necessary. Our ingredients are FDA/GRAS approved (Generally Recognized As Safe) and Kosher Certified.
Please contact us or call us at (800) 332-1647 to inquire about CitroBio or purchase our product.
SARASOTA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Citro Industries, Inc., a leader in food safety technology, announces it will be exhibiting at IFT 2016 - Booth 4317 in Chicago July 17-19, 2016.
Citrobio will be offering personal food safety consultations and information about its products, including CitroBio Fresh Food Wash, CitroBio CB 100, CitroBio Concentrate and RGA Rapid Growth Activator at booth 4317. Information about becoming a distributor of CitroBio and free product samples will be available.
Food industry professionals who are looking for a safe and effective way to prolong the shelf life of their products and help control pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria in the harvesting, processing, packing and/or shipping process are encouraged to stop by for a free food safety consultation.
About IFT16
Where Science Feeds Innovation is the largest annual food science forum and exposition in the world. Experts from industry, government agencies and research institutions will provide their unique insights during more than 100 education sessions and 1,000 presentations covering topics ranging from new health benefits, safety and product innovations to the latest consumer favorites, fears and trends.
About Citro Industries, Inc.
CitroBio is a citrus extract wash for Seafood, Meat, Poultry and Produce. Its’ ingredients are FDA/GRAS approved (Generally Recognized As Safe) and Kosher Certified. CitroBio can also be used to clean food processing facilities. Resulting from a growing concern for food safety, Citro Industries Inc. was established to look for quality, food safety and risk management alternatives in the food service and food processing industry. After much research Dr. Richard Maguire, CEO of Citro Industries, Inc., made CitroBio available to the public. Currently CitroBio is distributed in North America, Central America, South America and Europe. Learn more at www.citrobio.com.
Dairy products are an important part of a well-balanced diet, and provide many beneficial nutrients, but a new trend in milk consumption is proving to be dangerous. Raw milk and raw milk products like cheese are being sold in farmers markets and natural food stores, with the disclaimer that they are for animal consumption only. This makes the products legal to sell, but they can be harmful to people and should never be eaten by humans.
Raw milk is milk from cows, goats, or sheep that has not been subject to pasteurization, or the process that kills harmful bacteria such as Listeria, E. coli, and Salmonella in dairy products. The CDC reports that unpasteurized milk is 150 times more likely to cause foodborne illnesses than pasteurized, and causes 13 times more hospitalizations than illnesses involving pasteurized dairy. More than 1500 people in the US alone became sick from consuming raw milk or raw milk products. Raw milk can be especially dangerous to people with weakened immune systems, the elderly, pregnant women, and young children (most problems with raw milk involve kids).
From FDA.gov, here are some common myths and proven facts about milk and pasteurization:
To keep milk products as safe as possible, be sure to buy only pasteurized dairy products, safely store them at the proper temperature, and be mindful about cross-contamination. Click here to learn more about CitroBio Food Wash, a citrus extract wash for meat, fruits, vegetables, cleaning, and more.
Staying current with food safety recalls is difficult, because there are generally several on a daily basis. For example, on June 3rd, there were eight recalls, five of them due to listeria monocytogenes found in products during routine testing. Most commonly, foods are recalled due to harmful pathogens being present, such as listeria, E. coli, and salmonella; undeclared allergens such as eggs, peanuts, and fish; and the possibility of contamination.
While the FDA has an app that can send alerts to your phone in the event of recalls, as well as an active presence on Twitter to help keep the public informed, it is very important to ensure that food is as clean as possible before preparing, cooking, serving, or eating. Often the presence of harmful pathogens isn’t detected until after the food has already been shipped to stores and people have fallen ill.
To control contaminants such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, try CitroBio Food Wash. CitroBio is available for commercial and home use, is professionally tested, and has been serving the food industry for nearly 20 years. CitroBio does not alter the smell, taste, or appearance of food, and there is no need to rinse! Get CitroBio here.
Birds have been known to occasionally spread diseases to humans through droppings, ticks, mites, and other forms of transmission. It has been suggested that there are over 60 other diseases that birds and their droppings can carry. It is important to use health precautions around areas with high concentrations of birds and bats, such as removing small amounts of droppings with soap and water, and consulting with an environmental engineer for removal of large quantities of birds, bats, or their waste.
Food that is grown in areas with large bird populations can be contaminated by bird droppings containing dangerous diseases. One such food is the key lime. Mainly grown in and around the Miami area, Central America, and Mexico; key limes can become coated with bird waste, and as such, are at risk for containing E. coli, and other human-transmissible diseases. Key lime pie usually contains the zest as well as the juice of the lime, and as such, it is especially important to make sure the outside peel of the lime is as clean as possible.
Washing produce thoroughly with soap and water removes dirt, sand, and other debris, but for reducing contaminants such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, try CitroBio Food Wash. CitroBio is available for commercial and home use, is professionally tested, and has been serving the food industry for nearly 20 years. Also, be sure to use safe food practices when making and storing key lime pies, which are often made with raw eggs. Learn more here.
Recently there was a Listeriosis outbreak linked to several brands of frozen vegetables. Listeria bacteria can cause serious, life-threatening illness and causes harm to fetuses in utero. Pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals are at special risk for serious complications due to Listeria poisoning.
Epidemiologic and laboratory evidence available at this time indicates that frozen vegetables produced by CRF Frozen Foods of Pasco, Washington and sold under various brand names are one likely source of illness in the latest outbreak. Investigations are ongoing to determine if food sources used to manufacture CRF Frozen Foods products could explain some of the illnesses.
Timeline of events:
CDC recommends that consumers do not eat, and restaurants and retailers do not serve or sell, recalled organic and traditional frozen vegetables and fruit products. Recalled items were sold nationwide and in Canada. Here is a list of recalled products.
Listeria is killed by cooking at a high temperature. Thoroughly cooking product to 165ºF/74ºC will kill the bacteria. However, for fruits and vegetables consumed raw, it is important to thoroughly wash produce before consuming. Plain water is good for removing dirt and loose debris from produce, but for reducing contaminants and controlling bacteria, as well as extending the shelf life of food, we recommend CitroBio Fresh Food Wash. CitroBio Fresh Food Wash does not alter the taste, appearance, or smell of food. To learn more, click here.
Efficient meat and poultry plant cleaning and sanitation is often neglected as it requires extra work and the positive effects are not immediately visible. However, failures in plant hygiene can cause high financial losses in the long run. Unhygienic conditions in a meat or poultry plant result in:
Proper cleaning and sanitation is becoming increasingly important in modern processing as more perishable and hygienically sensitive products come on the market, particularly convenience foods such as prepacked portioned chilled poultry, vacuum-packed sliced sausage and ham products, and meat products in controlled atmosphere packages. The microbial load of such products must be low to guarantee adequate shelf life and to avoid spoilage during distribution.
Salmonella bacteria is one of the most common causes of food poisoning in the United States. It can cause serious illness in the elderly, infants, and persons with chronic diseases. One outbreak of salmonella or other foodborne illnesses can destroy a company. Proper sanitation and avoiding cross-contamination are key in the fight against pathogens.
CitroBio is an effective, all-purpose, safe cleaner to use in processing plants. Use CitroBio to:
Using CitroBio couldn’t be easier! To clean floors, ceilings, surfaces, walls, etc:
From popcorn to scampi to coconut, there are thousands of ways to prepare shrimp. Shrimp is the most consumed seafood in the United States! Read on to learn more about these tempting sea treats that are enjoyed all over the globe.
FYI: labels like “medium” and “jumbo” are not standardized
When purchasing shrimp, it’s important to read the label carefully. The number count on the label will tell you how large the shrimp actually are. The smaller the number, the larger the shrimp are (such as 16/20 or 36/40 per pound). If you see U/10 on the label, it means the package has under 10 shrimp, and they will be HUGE!
Veins
De-veining means removing the black line that runs through shrimp. This is the shrimp’s digestive track and while edible, can be removed for a neater appearance and if the idea of eating it makes you turn up your nose. De-veining is easy, but can be time consuming. If the shrimp are uncooked, just run the tip of a knife along the back side of the shrimp and pull out the vein. If you are cooking with the shell on, look for a de-veining tool in a kitchen supply store - this will help speed up the process.
Peeling
According to The Kitchn, there are actually two different ways you can peel shrimp: by hand or with a pair of kitchen shears. Peeling shrimp by hand feels satisfyingly rugged and primal — grab a shrimp, pull off the legs, use your thumbs to crack the shell open along the underside (where the shell is softer), pull off the shell, and you're done. Peeling with shears is a tad more refined. Just use the kitchen shears to snip through the shell along the top (where it's hardest), then crack it open, and pull off the shell.
Cooking for a crowd
If you are cooking shrimp as a main course, plan to buy ½ lb of peeled shrimp or ¾ lb of unpeeled shrimp per person. One pound of raw shrimp equals ½ lb of cooked, peeled shrimp.
Storage
Raw frozen shrimp can be properly stored in a freezer for up to six months. Before freezing, do not de-vein or peel the shrimp -- this will retain more flavor and succulence within the shell. Consume fresh shrimp as soon as possible; shrimp does not last very long in the refrigerator. To maintain freshness of seafood, use CitroBio Fresh Food Wash, available for home use. CitroBio extends shelf life and has proven effectiveness against E. Coli, Salmonella and Listeria, among other pathogens. It does not change color or flavor but gives a better quality and appearance, no rinsing is necessary. Click here to learn more.
A USDA analysis of the FDA’s import refusals reporting shows that for the past seven years the FDA has rejected almost 18,000 imported seafood shipments due to the food being unfit for human consumption.
The FDA stated that the shipments were refused entry into the United States for many reasons, including “harmful levels of filth (rat feces, parasites, illegal antibiotics, glass), veterinary drug residues, and Salmonella.”
The USDA concluded their report by stating: “The safety of imported seafood clearly continues to be of significant concern, based on the number of shipments refused by FDA.”
The FDA, while responsible for the safety of all seafood imported into the US, lacks the manpower to provide thorough inspections for the majority of all imported seafood. For example, they only inspect less than 1% of the shrimp entering the country each year.
American Shrimp Processors Association President Dr. David Veal expressed concern: “This issue goes beyond the FDA; I don’t think it’s unreasonable to expect food suppliers to take some responsibility for the health and safety of their products. We hope shrimp exporters will take a more proactive role in assuring that suppliers adhere to laws designed to protect the people who buy their products.”
Shrimp is the most common imported seafood consumed in the United States. Ninety percent of shrimp consumed in the US are imports from countries like China, Indonesia and Thailand; countries that routinely export shrimp that the FDA rejects.
To protect yourself, look for wild-caught domestic shrimp, which has shown fewer levels of bacterial contaminants. Be sure to thoroughly clean all fresh seafood and fish. CitroBio Fresh Food Wash can be used on produce, seafood, sushi, and meat of all types to remove contaminants. To learn more about CitroBio, click here.
CitroBio has proven effectiveness in poultry applications. Poultry farms can use CitroBio in a variety of ways, from incubators to drinking water, to control pathogens such as salmonella, listeria, E. Coli and more. The acidifier action of CitroBio activates the neuro-vegetative system by increasing nutrient absorption. CitroBio has antimicrobial gastro-intestinal action acting against pathogenic microorganisms originated in the feed, drinking water or environment.
CitroBio has been professionally tested - click here to see how CitroBio controls pathogens and extends the shelf life of poultry meat.
If you would like to receive a free sample of CitroBio, please click here to contact us.
Recently, there has been an outbreak of Norovirus making its rounds through the general population. Norovirus is particularly contagious because it can be spread in many ways: through general contact, food, on surfaces, and more. This month, Norovirus has also been confirmed on cruise ships as well (Ocean Princess and Anthem of the Seas), which can be particularly concerning because of the close quarters and the ease of which an outbreak can spread.
To prevent spreading or contracting the Norovirus, always remember to wash your hands carefully with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and changing diapers, and always before eating, preparing, or handling food. Carefully wash fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating them. Cook oysters and other shellfish thoroughly before eating them.
Noroviruses are relatively resistant. They can survive temperatures as high as 140°F and quick steaming processes that are often used for cooking shellfish. Food that might be contaminated with norovirus should be thrown out. Keep sick infants and children out of areas where food is being handled and prepared.
When you are sick, do not prepare food or care for others who are sick. You should not prepare food for others or provide healthcare while you are sick and for at least 2 days after symptoms stop. This also applies to sick workers in settings such as schools and daycares where they may expose people to norovirus.
To prevent poisoning from food-borne bacteria and viruses, it is important to practice good food safety techniques and thoroughly wash and clean fruits, vegetables, seafood, and meat. CitroBio Fresh Food Wash can be used on produce, seafood, sushi, and meat of all types to remove contaminants. To learn more about CitroBio, click here.
Did you know? In addition to being an all-natural, non-GMO fertilizer, Rapid Growth Activator also helps control diseases, insects, and fungus for all types of plants, trees, and turf. If you are having issues with bugs ruining your garden, give RGA a try!
Some of the organisms that RGA helps control include:
RGA is an effective all-natural alternative to harmful chemical pesticides, fungicides, and fertilizers. It is available in small 5-lb pails suitable for home use. Enjoy more colorful flowers, a higher yield of fruits and vegetables from your home garden, and a thick, lush, green lawn. To purchase RGA, click here.
Did you know? Rapid Growth Activator is not just for farmers. RGA is for use by anyone, on all agricultural products, including grass, turf, trees, plants, flowers, vegetables, fruits, and more. RGA isn't just for large-scale agricultural usage. Use Rapid Growth Activator at home to enhance your yard and flowers, and to grow larger, more vibrant, and more delicious fruits and vegetables at home.
Rapid Growth Activator:
Our formula contains the perfect combination of beneficial soil bacteria, nutrients and vitamins to create the best possible solution for your crop. RGA is produced by a natural fermentation process. The proprietary strains of natural soil present in this formula are grown in a laboratory under strict sterile media and high standards.
RGA is available for purchase in small quantities. Click here to purchase RGA now.
A recent study showed that the USDA’s projections for Florida Orange productions are steady at 69 million boxes, which was the predicted amount in December. While orange production is holding steady, grapefruit has dropped significantly from 11.5 million boxes predicted in December to an estimated 10.8 million boxes.
While Florida Grapefruit is showing a 16% decline in production over the 2014-15 season, this drop is less significant than the Florida Orange production, which is down almost 29% over last season.
“A decline in grapefruit was not unexpected given the overall trend the industry has experienced due to citrus greening. However, the continuity reflected in today’s orange forecast is encouraging,” said Shannon Shepp, executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus.
Citrus greening disease is the main cause of the decline in the Florida Citrus industry over the past decade. RGA Rapid Growth Activator is an all-natural, eco-friendly "green" product specially formulated to enhance citrus and agricultural production. Our field studies demonstrate efficacy even in citrus trees damaged with HLB (citrus greening).
When RGA is used on healthy and diseased citrus trees, it has been shown to provide enumerable benefits to the soil and the plant. Benefits of RGA Rapid Growth Activator include:
Interested in learning more about RGA? Click here or contact us.
Glazing, or the application of a protective layer of ice surrounding a piece of fish or meat, has long been used as a mechanical barrier between the food product and the air. Glazing is achieved by spraying the product with, or dipping it into, clean seawater, potable water, or potable water with approved additives. Without glazing, the oxygen in the air in a freezer or refrigerator will react with a product’s fats and potentially cause it to rot or succumb to freezer burn. Glazing is also a physical barrier that protects products from damage during production, packaging, transport, and retail.
CitroBio is a citrus extract food processing aid that it can be used throughout the entire seafood process. It can be added to glazing compounds to provide additional protection against pathogens. Use CitroBio for safer, cleaner seafood (and to extend shelf life) in the following ways:
All seafood can be treated through entire packaging process prior to freezing. Our actual customers are treating with CitroBio:
To learn more about CitroBio, contact us here.
Did you know there are many cases of food poisoning, foodborne illness, and recalls that are not mentioned in the media? Recalls especially are so frequent that it would be impossible to report every single item that is removed from shelves for health and safety reasons.
Fortunately there are several resources online that provide complete listings of important recalls and up-to-date food safety information. Below please find a list of sites to monitor for this information:
If you are concerned about food health, it is important to remember to practice good food safety such as frequent hand washing, using separate surfaces to cut raw meat and produce, and cooking food to a proper temperature before consuming. For more information about food safety practices, visit this easy-to-remember tips site.
CitroBio Fresh Food Wash can be used on produce, seafood, sushi, and meat of all types to remove contaminants. To learn more about CitroBio, click here.
As consumers become more aware of the damaging effects of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, many golf superintendents are looking toward a natural, biological management system to control disease and pests. Rapid Growth Activator provides biological turf management that is all-natural, eco-friendly, and "green."
RGA significantly reduces the use of fertilizer on golf courses, while increasing disease resistance. It contains naturally occurring soil bacteria, fungi, and microbial nutrients that promote the conversion of organic or inorganic fertilizers into plant available forms, thereby improving nutrient availability.
Expect beautiful, thick greens and less maintenance dollars being spent to keep your golf course in spectacular condition.
Rapid Growth Activator:
Click here to learn more and view our field studies. Contact us here if you would like to brochure or a sample of RGA.
Did you know that green beans are among the riskiest vegetables to eat? A recent study from the Consumer Reports Food Safety and Sustainability Center showed that green beans fall into the "very high risk" category due to being contaminated with toxic pesticides. One of the chemicals it was most often contaminated with is acephate (and its by-products) which are associated with nausea, dizziness, and nervous system damage.
Other examples of produce that were found to show high concentrations of pesticides include:
To lower risks such as cross-contamination and food poisoning, it is important to practice good food safety techniques and thoroughly wash and clean fruits, vegetables, seafood, and meat. CitroBio Fresh Food Wash can be used on produce, seafood, sushi, and meat of all types to remove contaminants.
CitroBio Fresh Food Wash:
To learn more about CitroBio, click here.
Thanks for visiting RGA Rapid Growth Activator at Booth 98 at the Florida Citrus Show. We were glad to meet you and share the real results we have with RGA Rapid Growth Activator. Our latest citrus tree studies of treated trees show an increase in new white root growth, indicating a healthier vascular system when treated with Rapid Growth Activator. The vascular system is the first line of defense against pests and disease.
RGA works from the roots up to fight citrus greening and improve the vascular health of all plants, including citrus trees. If you were not able to pick up one of our brochures at the show, click here to download a PDF. We would be happy to visit your grove to create a personalized treatment plan for you, or send you a sample of Rapid Growth Activator. Click here to contact us.
Top 5 Benefits of RGA:
RGA will be exhibiting at Booth 98 at the Florida Citrus Show January 27-28, 2016 at the Havert L. Fenn Center in Ft. Pierce, Florida. The Florida Citrus Show has been around for many years. This year the presenters will be discussing updates on weed, disease, and insect control strategies; as well as fertilization, irrigation and food safety.
Real data, real results, real rejuvenation
We are excited to show the benefits of treating citrus trees with RGA Rapid Growth Activator! Our latest studies show a 55% reduction in fruit drop in RGA treated vs. non-treated trees. The roots of treated trees show an increase in new white root growth, indicating a healthier vascular system when treated with Rapid Growth Activator.
RGA is a natural soil product produced by a natural fermentation process. When it is used on healthy and diseased citrus trees, it has been shown to provide enumerable benefits to the soil and the plant. Benefits of RGA Rapid Growth Activator include:
If you are interested in learning more about RGA Rapid Growth Activator, click here to download our brochure, or click here to email us.