Maple Lodge Farms launches revolutionary food protection technology

Maple Lodge Farms, a Brampton headquartered producer of poultry products, has announced the launch of its SafeSure(TM) High Pressure Processing System (HPP), an advanced food processing technology for ready-to-eat meats. It is the first poultry processor in Canada to invest in this technology for its deli products. The result is exceptional food protection against bacteria such as Listeria, fresher taste and longer shelf life for Maple Lodge Farms' products when compared to food which has undergone conventional food-preservation techniques.

The greatest benefit of using High Pressure Processing in processed and packaged deli products is the disabling of pathogens such as Listeria, Salmonella and E.coli, as well as bacteria that cause food spoilage. Implemented as the last step in the process, SafeSure(TM) virtually eradicates most potential pathogens before the products leave the plant. Because these products are processed in their packaging, there is absolutely no risk of recontamination as long as the packaging remains intact.

A December 2008 survey of Canadians conducted by BrandTrust found that food safety now ranks virtually equal to freshness when considering purchasing processed meats - 94 per cent of respondents ranked food freshness as the most influential factor, with 92 per cent also ranking food safety.

"Canadians, now more than ever, are vigilant when it comes to food safety, particularly with ready-to-eat meats found in the deli section," says Maple Lodge Farms CEO, Michael Burrows. "Maple Lodge Farms is taking a proactive approach to food safety. As a family-owned company, our goal is to exceed Canadians' expectations as well as industry standards. By investing in HPP technology we can provide a high degree of protection for these products without using additional preservatives - something we believe our consumers will appreciate."

"We believe that our customers want fewer preservatives in their deli products," says Burrows. "Our goal is to provide an extra degree of protection to our foods in addition to making them healthier and more nutritious. SafeSure(TM) technology provides the ability to do all this and doesn't use chemicals in the process."

Canadians will be able to easily identify Maple Lodge Farms poultry deli products that have undergone High Pressure Processing by the new SafeSure(TM) logo on product packaging. Maple Lodge Farms products that have undergone the SafeSure(TM) process include their ready-to-eat deli products as well as Chicken Bacon.

The first Maple Lodge Farms SafeSure(TM) products will be available in grocery stores across Canada in April 2009.

Located on Winston Churchill Boulevard in Brampton Maple Lodge Farms is Canada's largest independently owned poultry processor. Established more than 50 years ago, the goal at Maple Lodge Farms has always been not just to meet industry standards but to exceed them. In keeping with this tradition, they have implemented this revolutionary technology as a measure of added food protection for their customers. The company is continually developing new, innovative and nutritious chicken products.

For more information on SafeSure(TM), visit www.safesure.ca

To learn more about Maple Lodge Farms visit www.maplelodgefarms.com.