ATLANTA, GA -- KES Science & Technology, Inc. (KES), a leading global provider of postharvest preservation technology, exposed the food and produce industry's growing need for airborne bacteria and mold reduction technology with the successful introduction of AiroCide PPT (perishables preservation technology).

KES launched their latest technology in pathogen reduction, AiroCide PPT, at the recent PMA Summit in Orlando, FL. The Summit, experiencing record 16,350 attendees, was a major success for KES with visitors from the US and all over the world. Interest in this new technology stemmed from companies spanning many produce segments, including mixed produce distribution centers, refrigerated warehouse operators, major restaurant chains, major grocery chains, seafood, transportation, food safety auditors and organic suppliers.

While the need for mold and bacteria reduction technology was revealed in many industries, KES unearthed a significant demand for advancement in the fresh cut industry. "The response from the fresh cut industry has been the most dramatic response to any new product we have introduced in this market," said John Hayman, III, president of KES. Due to the interest of this growing industry, KES has already scheduled more than a dozen site surveys in the next 30 days for facilities throughout the US and Canada.

Strong interest from this emerging industry is not surprising. Cutting, preparing and packaging food themselves, the fresh cut industry is particularly vulnerable to damage from mold, bacteria and other airborne contamination. Their success is thus dependent on a pathogen-free environment. By removing contaminants from the air, AiroCide PPT offers the perfect solution to the fresh cut industry's mold reduction and pathogen-free needs.

KES would also like to announce the lucky recipient of its "Win an AiroCide" contest at PMA. The winner is Brian Easton. Easton, who is Vice President of Operations for ProOrganics, Burnaby, British Columbia, plans to utilize AiorCide PPT for his tomatoes. "We're interested in evaluating and applying AiroCide PPT at our Burnaby site to further enhance our business," said Easton. "Our locations in both Toronto and Montreal may also benefit from the technology," adds Easton.

AiroCide PPT, a NASA-developed, patented technology, is an FDA Class II medical device. It is the most advanced and effective airborne pathogen reduction system available, and the only air treatment system that after killing the microorganisms it comes in contact with, it completely destroys them. It is not a filter, so it does not gather or collect harmful organisms. A unique combination of ultraviolet light and hydroxyl radicals inside the unit destroy a wide range of airborne pathogens including bacteria (such as anthrax and tuberculosis), viruses (like smallpox), molds, spores, fungi and allergens.

The increasing threat of airborne dangers like SARS and anthrax, and a heightened awareness of the detrimental effects of poor indoor air quality, makes AiroCide PPT a versatile tool that spans many industries. AiroCide technology can be used in many commercial and residential environments including medical healthcare, mold remediation, child care, and other commercial and residential applications.

KES Science & Technology, Inc. is the world leader in automatic produce misting and related products and services, and has been providing quality solutions to the postharvest preservation industry for twenty years. During that time, KES has developed an extensive network of distributors, serving leading US and global food wholesalers and retailers that currently include Kroger, Safeway, Wal-Mart, Publix, Albertson's, Winn-Dixie, and the US military. Its global distributor network includes North America, UK, Spain, China, Thailand, Japan and other countries. KES is a member of the Produce Marketing Association (PMA), Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA).

For more information about AiroCide PPT perishables preservation technology and KES Science and Technology, Inc., visit www.kesmist.com or call 1-800-627-4913.