PriceSmart Keeps Produce Fresh With Air Sanitation Technology

PriceSmart, Inc., an operator of membership warehouse clubs in Central America and the Caribbean, has implemented AiroCide, a food safety preventive controls air sanitation technology, in all of its warehouse club locations.

AiroCide, which is manufactured and distributed by Atlanta-based KES Science and Technology, Inc., is an air purifier that completely mineralizes (turns organics into carbon dioxide and water vapor) airborne bacteria, mold, fungi, mycotoxins, viruses, allergens, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's like ethylene), and odors without the use of filters and without producing harmful byproducts. The AiroCide technology was first launched aboard Space Shuttle Columbia mission STS-73, where onboard the spacecraft the device was used to preserve crop growth by removing ethylene gas and other airborne contaminants.

“AiroCide has been very beneficial for all our locations,” said Philippe Jacquemin, corporate produce buyer for PriceSmart. “Odors are gone. Product holds up better. We offer our members the best quality available at a fair price. Anything that we can do, any steps that we can take to ensure achieving this goal is worth the investment. We pride ourselves in making sure that all controls are in place so our members continue to enjoy the highest level of quality. AiroCide is now an important part of that process.”

San Diego-based PriceSmart owns and operates 31 warehouse clubs in 12 countries and one U.S. territory.