LYSOL(R) Food Surface Sanitizer is a new product specially formulated for use on food contact surfaces with no rinsing required. The new formula is safe when used as directed on surfaces to reduce cross-contamination of bacteria, such as E. coli and Salmonella. LYSOL(R) Food Surface Sanitizer kills 99.999% of bacteria in 60 seconds. It is effective on food contact surfaces, as well as other surfaces around the home where parents feel uncomfortable using products with certain chemicals, such as toys or changing tables.
\"Consumers understand the importance of cleaning the surfaces where they prepare food,\" says LYSOL(R) microbiologist and R&D Director Joe Rubino. \"However, they may be concerned about the use of certain chemicals, such as everyday bleach, around their children and food. We developed new LYSOL(R) Food Surface Sanitizer to effectively kill the bacteria that can lead to illness.\"
To prevent food-borne illnesses within the home, Rubino recommends a series of tips:
-- Sanitize Surfaces -- Prevent cross contamination by keeping raw and ready-to-eat foods separate, and cleaning cutting boards, countertops, high-chairs and placemats with a safe cleaner that kills bacteria without leaving a harsh chemical residue.
-- Wash Your Hands Often -- Frequent hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. It is especially important to wash your hands before, during and after you prepare food, to prevent bacteria from transferring from foods to surfaces.
-- Handle Food Properly -- Always check food expiration dates, and wrap raw meat, poultry and seafood securely before refrigerating to avoid raw juices from leaking and spoiling other food. Wash fresh produce carefully, as it can harbor E. coli, and cook food at the proper USDA-recommended temperatures. Red meat should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F and poultry to 180 degrees F.
\"Food-borne illnesses are often preventable if you follow these common sense steps,\" says Rubino. \"By taking preventative measures and using safe tools, such as LYSOL(R) Food Surface Sanitizer, you can help keep your family safe and healthy.\"
LYSOL(R) Food Surface Sanitizer will be available at retailers nationwide in July 2006 in a trigger spray bottle. A 22 oz. bottle will retail for a suggested price of $2.99.
About Joe Rubino
Joe Rubino has over 20 years of experience in microbiology and is a Director in Research and Development at Reckitt Benckiser Inc. He has co-authored a number of papers on antimicrobial agents, transmission of infectious agents and infection control strategies, and has presented papers at major scientific and trade organization meetings including American Society of Microbiology, Consumer Products Specialty Association, Soap and Detergent Association and the Pasteur Institute.
About LYSOL(R) / Reckitt Benckiser, Inc.
Reckitt Benckiser Inc. is a subsidiary of U.K.-based Reckitt Benckiser plc, the world leader in household cleaning (excluding laundry) and a major player in health and personal care. Reckitt Benckiser Inc. manufactures, markets and sells household, cleaning and specialty food products in North America, generating more than $1.8 billion in sales annually. These products include LYSOL(R) cleaners and disinfectants, Air Wick(R) air fresheners, Resolve(R) cleaners, Electrasol(R) automatic dishwasher detergent, Veet(R) depilatory, Jet-Dry(R) rinse agent, Spray \'n Wash(R) laundry stain removers, and French\'s(R) foods, including mustard and GourMayo(TM). Reckitt Benckiser\'s more than 20,000 employees conduct operations in 60 countries and sales in 180 countries, with global sales of more than $5 billion. For additional information about Reckitt Benckiser, visit http://www.reckittbenckiser.com.
i. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Division of Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases
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