Toxic Alert Plastic Wrap

It’s the latest in home food repackaging: a new plastic food wrap from Toxic Alert, Inc., of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, which has been impregnated with antibody-based sensors that can detect the presence of E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria. When bacteria is detected, a colored “X” appears on the surface of the wrap to indicate that the leftovers have gone bad and should not be eaten.

The innovative wrap is activated by the level of contamination present. Toxic Alert has zero tolerance for E. coli and Listeria and the detection level for Salmonella follows government guidelines. Moreover, the patented process reportedly works by printing the diagnostic test, which is similar to an ink, right onto the wrap. The diagnostic is then sealed in with a clear coating which its manufacturers say will not rub off on food.

Dr. Ken Sanderson, of the University of Calgary’s Department of Biological Sciences, recently told the Calgary Herald that although somewhat skeptical of the technology, the new wrap would be useful if it works. “Many people, myself included, throw out a lot of meat because we don't really know if it has gone bad or not,” he said. “That would be the place where this product would have real value.”