FAIR LAWN, N.J., Dec. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Tasker Products Corp. (BULLETIN BOARD: TKER) , a distributor and marketer of proprietary technology effective in inhibiting pathogenic bacteria, today announced that it is working with Kansas State University to develop an application, using its antibacterial technology, for the treatment of red meat. The alliance is being mainly funded by the Kansas State Beef Council. Tasker Blue, Tasker's antimicrobial application, is highly effective at inhibiting and eliminating bacteria such as E. coli, the presence of which on red meat has caused 20 recalls by the Agriculture Department in 2007.
After receiving public attention approximately 15 years ago over an outbreak of E. coli in a fast food restaurant chain serving hamburgers, which injured hundreds of people and killed four children, the beef industry has been on a mission to eradicate the existence of E. coli 0157:H7, a strain of the bacteria that produces a toxin that can make people sick. It is estimated that the red meat industry spends approximately $350 million per year to remove bacteria from meat available for public consumption. Red meat processors have added intervention points to their operations to combat bacteria, yet continue to search for a practical method to prevent contamination of ground beef.
Since the presence of E. coli is on the surface of meat carcasses, its presence is especially critical in ground beef, the grinding process can spread the bacteria. Further exacerbating the issue is that some consumers have a preference towards undercooked (rare and medium rare) meats, which do not generate sufficient internal cooking temperatures to destroy the bacteria. In contrast, undercooked steaks pose less risk as surface bacteria are likely to be eliminated due to high surface temperatures during cooking. Tasker's red meat application is designed to be spray on the meat, thereby eliminating bacteria prior to grinding.
Dr. James Marsden of Kansas State University said, "Tests of Taskers technology have indicated that when used as a spray on the surface of meat it is highly effective at eradicating E. coli. We expect to complete tests necessary for regulatory review during the first half of the first quarter and, with the cooperation of the United States Department of Agriculture, could have the product ready for market by March. Based on tests completed to date, Tasker Blue could have wide appeal to meat processors."
Lanny Dacus, Tasker's president and CEO, added, "Ground red meat recalls have resulted in the wasting of millions of pounds of meat. A recall conducted last October resulted in the eradication of approximately 22 million pounds of meat. The Agriculture Department issued new guidelines a few months ago inducing the meat industry to adopt the latest technology in the battle against E. coli, but admit there is no 'magic bullet' to prevent contamination. We believe the market for Tasker's application, once accepted by the regulators, is immediate and worldwide.
About Tasker Products
Tasker is a manufacturer, distributor and marketer of eco-chemistry products with various applications that use the pHarlo technology. The pHarlo technology utilizes a highly charged and acidified, yet stable and safe, solution that enables copper sulfate, a compound with bacteriostatic properties, to remain active throughout a wide range of pH values. The Company currently markets Unifresh(R) Footbath, a grooming aid product for dairy cows, Tasker Blue(R), an antibacterial solution for use in processing poultry and Pacific Blue(TM) Seafood Spray, an antibacterial spray for retail seafood counters. Tasker Products Corp. is headquartered in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. To be added to the news distribution list or to present any questions, send an email to tasker@grannusfinancial.com. Additional information about Tasker is also available at http://www.taskerproducts.com/.
This release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, such as statements about our plans, objectives, expectations, assumptions or future events. These statements involve estimates, assumptions, known and unknown risks, uncertainties and performances, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statement. Actual future results and trends may differ materially from those made in or suggested by any forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, including, for example, our ability to obtain new financing and/or generate revenue growth in the near future; our history of losses; our limited experience in the marketing of our products; our ability to compete with other products in our market space; and the risk of unfavorable federal regulation. Consequently, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. We discuss these and other risks and uncertainties in greater detail in the filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including under the section entitled, "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, for the year ended December 31, 2006 and our most recent report on Form 10-Q.
Investor Contact:
Grannus Financial Advisors, Inc.
212-681-4100
TaskerProducts@GrannusFinancial.com
Tasker Products Corp.
