Key Takeaways
- Innodal received a No Objection Letter from USDA-FSIS for the use of INNEO™ in red meat and poultry.
- The determination allows both surface and in-product applications to control Listeria monocytogenes.
- INNEO™ previously received GRAS status from the FDA.
- The decision enables regulatory-compliant use within FSIS-regulated establishments.
Innodal Secures USDA-FSIS Regulatory Clearance For INNEO™
Innodal announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) has issued a No Objection Letter confirming the acceptability of INNEO™ as a processing aid to control Listeria monocytogenes in red meat and poultry products.
The determination allows U.S. meat and poultry processors to use INNEO™ as both a surface treatment and within the food matrix of comminuted products. USDA-FSIS confirmed it has no objection to the intended use of INNEO™ as an antimicrobial intervention when applied on product surfaces or mixed directly into ready-to-eat formulations.
Innodal Expands Approved Applications Across Meat And Poultry Processing
INNEO™ is a natural antimicrobial processing aid based on a bacteriocin, a class of peptides known for targeted activity against Listeria monocytogenes. The product previously received Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the FSIS No Objection Letter provides the final regulatory confirmation needed for use across red meat and poultry applications.
The approval covers both surface applications and in-product use where INNEO™ is incorporated directly into comminuted ready-to-eat meat and poultry products, enabling full compliance within FSIS-regulated establishments.
Commercial Context And Operational Implications
Already commercialized in Canada, INNEO™ offers U.S. processors a clean-label alternative to conventional antimicrobial interventions. According to the company, industry trials have demonstrated efficacy against L. monocytogenes while maintaining product quality attributes such as taste, texture, and appearance.
The ability to apply the processing aid both externally and internally provides processors with additional flexibility in designing Listeria control programs aligned with their specific production processes. As a recognized processing aid, INNEO™ can be implemented without changes to ingredient labeling, which may simplify operational adoption.
Leadership Commentary On Regulatory Milestone
“This No Objection Letter from USDA-FSIS is a major milestone for INNEO™,” said Laurent Dallaire, CEO and Co-Founder of Innodal. “It confirms that processors can confidently use our bacteriocin-based technology not only on product surfaces, but also directly within comminuted meat and poultry products. Combined with FDA GRAS status, this decision provides clear regulatory confidence and unlocks opportunities to strengthen Listeria control across the U.S. meat and poultry industry.”
