RGF Environmental Group, Inc., creator of advanced environmental products providing the world with the safest air, water, and food without the use of chemicals, announced that Chipotle Mexican Grill, in its continued commitment to food safety, is using patented technology and products designed and engineered by the South Florida manufacturer to implement additional sanitizing protocols in its restaurants.
RGF’s REME HALO air purification units and IMSB Ice Machine Sanitizers were tested in multiple Chipotle locations for three months. The impressive results were verified independently and led to the decision to incorporate RGF technology into all existing 2,200 Chipotle locations and all future locations that are being opened at a rate of one per day, in addition to introducing the technology to Chipotle suppliers.
“We’re excited to be working with Chipotle and their supply chain partners to bring them food safety interventions using effective non-chemical alternatives. It’s what we do better than anyone else,” says Ron Fink, RGF President/CEO.
REME HALO and IMSB employ the company’s patented Photohydroionization, PHI Cell for short, a chemical-free, advanced oxidation technology. REME HALO is the next generation of indoor air quality technology that recreates nature’s process of purifying the air and helps to control environmental sources of harmful bacteria, mold, and viruses on surfaces and in restaurant settings. The completely automated IMSB Ice Machine Sanitizer uses Photohydroionization to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria to patrons and employees through cross-contamination by keeping ice machine heads, where the ice is made, and bins sanitized. Ice machine sanitation is an integral component of food safety because the machines are a common source of the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes.
RGF is also working closely with Chipotle’s suppliers to assure the safety of food products and ingredients and to control microbiological contamination in the food processing environment. The Food Surface Sanitation Tunnel is being evaluated for direct surface applications on food as well as on conveyor belt systems. It is an effective alternative to chemical sprays and baths. Using Photohydroionization, the patent-pending treatment tunnel and conveyor system is a breakthrough food processing technology that reduces microbial contamination through 360-degree, non-chemical intervention just prior to packaging or grinding. Products’ taste and appearance are not affected. The system has proven a potent method of pathogen control for a host of food applications including beef, pork, poultry, seafood, fruits, and vegetables.