FMC, one of the largest North American producers of peracetic acid, introduces Clarity™ for aseptic food processing operations. This product is an antimicrobial agent that may be used at low temperature to achieve commercial sterility of food packaging prior to fill. Clarity™ can be applied to the exterior and interior of food containers and closure systems (i.e. caps, seals etc.) by adding to spray, mix, or rinse processing water. Clarity™ is expected to help aseptically packaged food processing operations reduce their costs by lowering the operating temperature that will allow for the use of lighter weight, less costly packaging materials. Associated benefits of using lighter weight packaging materials is additional savings to the food processor in reduced freight cost and eliminating the need for refrigeration for distribution, storage, and handling of low acid beverages.

In February 2006, FMC received FDA Food Contact Notification for the peracetic acid-based product covering a wide array of packaging materials including HDPE, foil and PET. In November 2006, FMC received Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approval for use as a sterilant to achieve commercial sterility in U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) validated facilities.  In December 2007, FDA Office of Food Safety has issued a Letter of Non-Objection for Clarity™ sterilant, FMC’s new peracetic acid based sterilant for use in aseptic packaging of low acid products at Kan-Pak.