The Coronavirus epidemic has had a massive impact on the hospitality industry and restaurants will be eager to welcome back paying customers when lockdown restrictions are finally lifted. It will certainly not be a case of business as usual and restaurants will need to reassure customers and staff that they are doing everything possible to mitigate against the risk of Covid-19.
Key to reassuring returning customers will be the implementation of the Government’s ‘Covid Secure Workplace’ and social distancing guidance. However, restaurateurs are also turning to technology in order to protect and reassure customers whilst being proactive in the fight against Coronavirus. Distributors of HyGenikx, the advanced air and surface steriliser from specialist UK manufacturer Mechline Developments, have unsurprisingly reported a surge in sales during the Coronavirus epidemic
HyGenikx is proven to eradicate harmful bacteria and viruses, including those in the same family as the latest Covid-19 pandemic and the unit has now been backed by respected microbiologist Dr David Webber, who has clarified how HyGenikx performs in relation to the current Coronavirus strain – ‘Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2’ (SARS-CoV-2).
“Units such as HyGenikx, have been shown to kill a wide range of microbes that are more difficult to eradicate than viruses, including bacterial species that produce endos pores (Clostridium difficile, Geobacillus stearothermophilus), Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, S. epidermidis, Listeria monocytogenes and L. innocua), Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and moulds (Aspergillus fumigatus) in both the air and/or on surfaces.
SARS-CoV-2 belongs to the same group of viruses that cause colds and influenza. The use of similar technology in call centres and offices at an NHS Trust has already been shown to reduce the incidence of illness-related absences; particularly reported cases of colds, coughs and influenza, as well as reducing other chest and respiratory problems.
Without testing HyGenikx against SARS-CoV-2 (or a suitable surrogate) I cannot categorically state that HyGenikx can kill this coronavirus: however there is a great deal of scientific evidence that this technology can kill a wide range of other microbes that are much more difficult to eradicate than SARS-CoV-2.
HyGenikx technology has been tested against MS-2 coliphage (a surrogate for Norovirus), and achieved significant reductions in counts in both air samples and on surfaces. MS-2 is a non-enveloped virus which is more difficult to kill than the lipid-enveloped SARS-CoV-2.”
With many hospitality businesses diversifying significantly during lockdown by offering a home delivery service, infection control and ensuring food safety has never been more important. Whilst Coronavirus is understandably dominating the news, operators also need to protect against other dangerous microorganisms as Kristian Roberts, Marketing Manager at Mechline explains:
“Microorganisms can multiply very quickly, spreading infections compromising hygiene standards, causing food to spoil and creating offensive odours. HyGenikx complements operators’ existing hygiene and HACCP procedures, combating airborne viruses and bacteria, by stopping their spread and minimising the risks of cross contamination.
The advanced and compact wall-mounted HyGenikx unit is a plug and play option that will quietly go about its business – keeping staff, customers, food and surfaces protected from viruses and bacteria, even in the hardest to reach areas. HyGenikx utilises a combination of the most effective air and surface sterilisation technologies available to produce Superoxide Ions and Plasma Quattro, which are proven to target and kill biological hazards, including Salmonella, E.coli, Norovirus, and other primary sources of infections.
Furthermore, all this peace of mind, doesn’t have to cost the earth. HyGenikx models start from as little as £289, they require no costly installation as they simply plug in to a standard socket and consume very little energy, requiring only 85 watts. The integral lamp and battery in a HyGenikx unit will provide 12 months of trouble-free operation before they need to be replaced – and when they finally do need changing, it is very easy to do and does not require an engineer. Models for food preparation areas are also supplied with shatter proof lamps for extra reassurance.”
The HyGenikx range is also proven to extend the shelf-life of stored perishable fresh food by an average of 58%, with some produce proving to last as much as 150% longer. Principally the life and quality of fruit and vegetables can be significantly extended – which in turn can significantly reduce food waste and cost.
The HyGenikx range has models to suit every application, from food preparation areas, cold rooms, dining areas, to washrooms, refuse areas and beyond, and joins Mechline’s ever-expanding collection of hygienic, safe and environmentally friendly solutions.
For further information please go to www.mechline.com/hgx
