HyGenikx attracts interest from HRC visitors as Coronavirus concerns grow
As concern grows about the spread of Coronavirus, one of the busiest stands at the recent Hotel, Restaurant and Catering Show (HRC) was that of specialist UK manufacturer Mechline Developments – who were showcasing their revolutionary, HyGenikx air and surface hygiene amplification device, which is proven to eradicate harmful bacteria and viruses from foodservice and hospitality environments.
Reflecting on the interest in HyGenikx since the Coronavirus outbreak hit the headlines, Nick Falco, Product & Technical Director at Mechline commented:
“We have seen a large increase in enquiries for HyGenikx, clearly relating to concerns around Coronavirus and this was reflected by visitors to our stand at HRC. Without testing HyGenikx against Coronavirus (or a suitable surrogate) we cannot categorically state that it can kill this specific coronavirus: however there is a great deal of scientific evidence that this technology can kill a wide range of other microbes that are much more difficult to eradicate than the current Coronavirus strain.
The virus now named ‘Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2’ (SARS-CoV-2), initially transmitted from animals (probably bats) to humans at a seafood market in Wuhan, human to human transmission has now been confirmed, and SARS-CoV-2 has been shown to be spread in the air as virus-infected droplets and aerosols generated by coughing and sneezing. Another route of transmission is contact with surfaces contaminated by coronaviruses and subsequently touching mouth, nose or eyes; coronaviruses have been shown to survive up to nine days on surfaces.
HyGenikx units have been shown to kill a wide range of microbes that are more difficult to eradicate than viruses, including bacterial species that produce endospores (Clostridium difficile, Geobacillus stearothermophilus) , Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, S. epidermidis, Listeria monocytogenes and L. innocua), Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and moulds (Aspergillus fumigatus) in both the air and/or on surfaces.
HyGenikx technology has been tested against MS-2 coliphage (a surrogate for Norovirus), and achieved significant reductions in counts in both air samples and on surfaces. MS-2 is a non-enveloped virus which is more difficult to kill than the lipid-enveloped SARS-CoV-2.
SARS-CoV-2 belongs to the same group of viruses that cause colds and influenza. The use of similar technology in call centres and offices at an NHS Trust has been shown to reduce the incidence of illness-related absences; particularly reported cases of colds, coughs and influenza, as well as reducing other chest and respiratory problems.”
Whilst Coronavirus may be dominating the news, caterers and foodservice operators still need to protect against other dangerous microorganisms as Kristian Roberts, Marketing Manager at Mechline explains:
“Microorganisms can multiply very quickly, spreading infections, compromising hygiene standards, causing food to spoil and creating offensive odours. HyGenikx complements operators’ existing hygiene and HACCP procedures, combating airborne viruses and bacteria, stopping their spread and minimising the risks of cross contamination.
The advanced and compact wall-mounted HyGenikx product is a plug and play option that will quietly go about its business, keeping staff, customers, food and surfaces protected from viruses and bacteria – even in the hardest to reach areas. HyGenikx utilises a combination of the most effective air and surface sterilisation technologies available to produce Superoxide Ions and Plasma Quattro, which are proven to target and kill biological hazards in the kitchen, including Salmonella, E.coli, Norovirus, and other primary sources of infections.”
The HyGenikx range is also proven to extend the shelf-life of stored perishable fresh food by an average of 58%, with some produce proving to last as much as 150% longer! Principally the life and quality of fruit and vegetables can be significantly extended – which in turn can significantly reduce food waste and cost.
Prices for the HyGenikx system start from £280 and the range has models to suit every application, from food preparation areas, cold rooms and front of house, to washrooms, refuse areas and beyond.
For further information please go to www.mechline.com/hgx
