Neo-Temper is an organic antimicrobial solution designed to improve the safety and quality of wheat flour by achieving significant pathogen reduction during the tempering stage of milling. It promises to surpass current industry standards without affecting flour quality.
Neo-Temper is an innovative organic antimicrobial solution developed to enhance the safety and quality of wheat flour during the milling process. By targeting the tempering stage, it achieves a greater than 5 log reduction of harmful pathogens like Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. This solution not only meets but exceeds current industry standards for microbiological safety, while maintaining the sensory and nutritional qualities of the flour. Its application is crucial in extending the microbial shelf life of wheat flour, thereby offering a significant advancement in food safety.
Neo-Temper has been rigorously tested in various food matrices including wheat kernels, demonstrating a 6.06 log CFU/g reduction in Salmonella populations over a 26-week period, outperforming traditional lactic acid treatments. The solution is applied at specific dosages during the tempering stage and has been validated through controlled experiments simulating real-world milling conditions. Key features include:
Neo-Temper has reached a Technology Readiness Level of 9, indicating that it is fully developed and ready for commercial application in the milling industry. The solution has been thoroughly validated in controlled settings, demonstrating its effectiveness and practicality for pathogen control in wheat processing.
The University of Guelph is a comprehensive, mid-sized public research university in Guelph, Ontario. Industry partners engage through an on-campus research park and the Ontario Veterinary College’s teaching hospitals, which enable product evaluation and clinical translation. The university’s Arboretum and the nearby Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Guelph Research and Development Centre offer living laboratories and federal linkages that support collaborative R&D. Research is backed by competitive federal funding and strong provincial support via the Ontario Agri‑Food Innovation Alliance. The Research Innovation Office serves as the university’s technology transfer and industry liaison hub, supporting IP, licensing, and co‑funded partnerships.