Food and water protection and preservation company Purfresh has announced the results of a series of tests comparing its Purfresh Transport system with sulfur dioxide (SO2) pads in maintaining produce quality during long-distance ocean voyages.

Purfresh's Transport system is designed to actively manage the atmosphere of refrigerated containers using ozone molecules to kill mould, yeasts and airborne bacteria in the air and on surfaces, aimed at providing decay control without impacting the product's natural characteristics.

According to Purfresh, the tests – which were conducted using table grapes – showed that the group's active atmosphere technology had no effect on fruit taste and was more effective than SO2 pads at maintaining stem colour, fruit pressure and weight.

'Importers and exporters around the globe continue to seek out alternative ways to eliminate chemical usage, reduce waste and improve the quality of fresh produce,' said Peter Wade, ocean transport expert and president of LA Marine. 'With Purfresh Transport, there's now a viable means to ship organic and conventional produce to worldwide destinations that were previously out of reach, and maintain fruit quality without the use of chemicals.'

Table grapes were used in the study as they are particularly sensitive to airborne and surface microorganisms in high-humidity storage environments, and with the use of SO2 pads questioned in recent year due to its effect as an allergen and its negative impact on grape quality, the results are welcome.

Three studies were undertaken as part of the comparison, on Thompson Seedless, Red Globe and a simulated on-ocean laboratory test, with the grapes showing no signs of Botrytis cinerea, experiencing minimal reduction in fruit pressure and weight loss, and showing limited browning on stems.

Previously, shippers relied on costly and harmful chemicals to maintain the freshness of premium produce, like grapes,' said Purfresh's David Bouchard. 'Our Purfresh transport solution helps sustain and increase revenue from each shipment, and supports the growing consumer demand for reducing and eliminating chemicals in the foods we eat.

'With Purfresh Transport, everyone – from the grower to the consumer – benefits from fresher, safer, higher-quality produce,' he added.

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