COVID-19 Rapid Response: INSPECTION AND DISINFECTION SYSTEM FOR MANAGEMENT OF COVID-19 IMPACT ON FOOD FACILITIES

The contamination and sanitation inspection and disinfection (CSI-D) system developed under thisproposal is in response to food safety subsection of the special COVID-19 USDA NIFA SBIRProgram. SafetySpect proposes developing a fast convenient and easy to use handheld system forinfection prevention related to COVID-19 in food preparation and serving facilities. Novel aspectsof the CSI-D solution include the combination of contamination identification and immediateremediation of the potential threat (bacteria virus) using UVC light disinfection and documentingthis process to provide traceable evidence of disinfection. This system provides evidence forfollow-on investigations such as tracing cross-contamination and tracking sanitation in addition totraining cleaning crews and assessing and improving processes and sanitation standard operatingprocedures (SSOPs). SafetySpect's new technology will improve safety for food processing staffcleaning staff as well as food service customers.The objectives of this SBIR Phase I proposal are: (i) Design and build the CSI-D prototype andsoftware (ii)Validate the illumination system uniformity and effectiveness of viral disinfection and(iii) Perform an optical safety assessment and develop personnel UV safety gear requirements andsanitation procedures.During this project SafetySpect will also analyze eye/skin safety issuesrelated to UVC light exposure and create protocols for operating the system safely.This technology targets the institutional and restaurant food service industry. The restaurantindustry market was mature before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Now the restaurant industry needsto adapt to current safety/environmental protocols in the hope to return to previous sales volume.The goal of SafetySpect is to provide this industry with a means to reassure their customers andstaff that they can operate safely in this new reality.