SHREVEPORT, La., July 7 /PRNewswire/ -- SteriFx Inc., a specialty chemical company that provides non-toxic antimicrobial solutions for food safety and other markets, has named Dr. Kenneth Byrd its National Accounts Director.
In his new role, Dr. Byrd will serve as the Company’s regulatory and industry liaison. He will also work with its technical support team to assist poultry processing plants using SteriFx products, as well as troubleshoot pathogen problems. In addition, he will help grow the business by introducing the Company’s antimicrobial solutions to potential customers.
One of those products is FreshFx antimicrobial solution, which is USDA- approved for use anywhere along the poultry processing line -- from scalder to post chill -- to control Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, and Listeria. Since its approval as a processing aid in January 2003, FreshFx has been used to treat over 2.5 billion birds.
“We’re excited to have Ken as a key member of SteriFx,” says John R. Dankert, Ph.D., CEO of SteriFx. “He is a noted expert in the field of pathogen control, and we value his experience in all aspects of processing. His broad knowledge of the industry -- including the live side -- will permit us to more rapidly develop applications here.”
Dr. Byrd graduated a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Oklahoma State University, and ran his own veterinary practice before joining the USDA- FSIS, where he served as a Southwestern Region Supervisory Veterinary Medical Officer for 16 years.
His experience also includes 10 years as Director of Poultry Compliance Technology for Pilgrim’s Pride, where he was pivotal in developing and implementing the HIMP program. In addition, Dr. Byrd has worked with several pathogen control companies, serving as an advisor to the USDA on proper chiller management and other issues concerning the industry.
“It may sound idealistic, but what has given me the most satisfaction in my career is to create win-win situations while helping companies solve problems,” says Dr. Byrd. “I know a lot of folks are out to make a sale and move on, but that’s not the reality for me. I look at it as developing a relationship that takes into account the regulations, plant capabilities and frankly, a trust.
“I’m excited about joining SteriFx,” he adds. “They certainly have a great deal to offer the meat and poultry industry, and they’ve already done a lot of things right to achieve their current level of success. With my experience as a veterinarian, with the USDA, poultry companies and the sales and implementation of antimicrobial technology in plants, I see myself as a good overall fit with SteriFx. My goal is to provide the industry with real and practical solutions to pathogen control problems.”
For more about SteriFx, Inc., or FreshFx antimicrobial solutions, please visit www.sterifx.com or send inquiries to info@sterifx.com.
318-425-2515; jdankert@sterifx.com 318-425-2515; bdowns@sterifx.com
CONTACT: John Dankert, Ph.D., jdankert@sterifx.com; or Bruce Downs, Ph.D.,
bdowns@sterifx.com, both of SteriFx Inc., +1-318-425-2515
Web site: http://www.sterifx.com//
