5 Questions with Dr. Halden Shane, CEO, TOMI Environmental Solutions

1. What is the science behind ionized Hydrogen Peroxide (iHP) disinfection technology?

Patented SteraMist technology activates and ionizes a 7.8% hydrogen peroxide-based solution through a cold plasma arc to convert into a fine mist known as ionized Hydrogen Peroxide (iHP). The cold plasma arc increases effectiveness while remaining gentle on surfaces. iHP creates some of the most powerful oxidizing agents in nature, which kill bacteria and fungal spores and inactivate viral cells on contact. This leads to a quick disinfection of targeted areas and large spaces, making it ideal for the world of food production.

2. What studies have been conducted to prove the technology in the industry?

There have been extensive studies about the effectiveness and efficacy of SteraMist. The USDA has published multiple studies about SteraMist iHP technology, the effect it has on produce, its efficacy in reducing Salmonella and Listeria and its lack of residues. The studies found promising results with produce lasting longer and high reduction of Salmonella and Listeria, as well as no residue being left behind when using SteraMist iHP cold plasma technology.

3. How is it implemented in the food industry?

SteraMist iHP technology is versatile enough to use during the packaging process to ensure the product travels without cross contamination all the way to food preparation surfaces at production plants and industrial kitchens. SteraMist iHP technology is effective from farm to table and can kill the most dangerous bacteria causing serious problems throughout the supply chain, including Salmonella, Listeria, E. Coli, Aspergillus and so much more.

4. What is an example of SteraMist combatting a common microorganism?

SteraMist was used to reduce Botrytis in a vertical farm facility. With an increasing amount of mold spores in its grow trays, the facility found that these mold spores were taking out about 20% of its yield. The farm needed to find a way to stop the mold from reducing its profits. Once the business implemented SteraMist directly to the affected surfaces, the levels of the mold spores went from high/medium to non-existent/undetectable, saving it from yield loss.

5. Where do you see SteraMist progressing in this industry?

SteraMist has been implemented in an organic indoor farming facility that disinfects its produce, which rolls on a conveyor belt and automatically gets sprayed by SteraMist. This is the first integration of its kind. SteraMist will continue to expand throughout the food industry by finding innovative ways to integrate iHP technology with exceptional results the industry has not seen before.