Fresh and fresh-cut produce are vulnerable to microbial contamination during postharvest processing, leading to food safety risks, recalls, and food waste

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded Mirtech, Inc. $649,957 on September 1, 2026, under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program (CFDA 10.212) to develop and optimize a food-grade antimicrobial disinfectant powder based on hydrogen peroxide for postharvest produce processing. This Phase II project will optimize production and stability of the disinfectant, evaluate its antimicrobial efficacy and product quality, and validate its performance in commercial produce wash systems to reduce microbial contamination, food safety recalls, and waste in fresh and fresh-cut produce. The project runs through August 31, 2028, with performance at Somerset, Franklin Township, New Jersey.

This project will advance a food-grade antimicrobial disinfectant (FAD), a shelf-stable powder based on hydrogen peroxide. Phase I demonstrated its antimicrobial effectiveness and feasibility. Phase II will optimize production and stability, evaluate antimicrobial efficacy and product quality, and validate performance in commercial produce wash systems. The goal is to provide the fresh produce industry with a safe, effective, and scalable antimicrobial wash technology.