SmartFresh

SmartFresh (SmartFresh Quality System) is a brand of a synthetic produce quality enhancer based on 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP). It is marketed by AgroFresh Inc.

Function

1-MCP’s mode of action is via a preferential attachment to the ethylene receptor, thereby blocking the effects of both endogenous and exogenous ethylene. It is applied in storage facilities and transit containers to slow down the ripening process and the production of the ethylene in fruit. Ethylene agent is not useful for ripe postharvests. The method of prolonging produce lifetime in this way was approved by the EU in 2005.

The SmartFreshSMQuality System makes it possible for growers and packer-shippers to maintain just-harvested quality of their fruits and vegetables throughout storage, transport and retail display – right through to the consumer.

Retailers can market SmartFresh quality fruits and vegetables with confidence, knowing that SmartFresh quality means consistently better quality, freshness and shelf life for consumers.

Consumers benefit from SmartFresh quality as well. In taste tests conducted in both the United States and Europe, three out of four consumers preferred the taste of SmartFresh quality apples and said they’d prefer to purchase them. Consumers eat more fruits and vegetables when they enjoy a satisfying eating experience. SmartFresh technology helps provide consistently fresh tasting produce, which encourages consumers to increase their fruit and vegetable consumption for better health.

Controversies

Health concerns

More than 80 comprehensive studies indicate a favorable profile for the formulation of the SmartFreshSM Quality System and its active ingredient 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) technology. These rigorous health and safety tests have proven SmartFresh technology to be safe for workers, the environment and consumers.

The SmartFresh Quality System has been successfully approved and accepted for use in more than 26 countries including the European Union and the United States. Today they conduct business and have approved government registrations in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Costa Rica, the European Union, France, Germany, Guatemala, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Mexico, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom and the United States.

upply effects

A business concern has been raised by Karl Schmitz, General Manager of the Federation of Producer Organisations for Fruit & Vegetables in Germany, as these chemicals cause oversupply issues in some markets and needlessly reducing the profits of growers as the demand of fresh fruits is reduced. Figures are at the same time showing that consumers don't necessarily purchase more fruits if they'd become cheaper.

References

*New York Times [http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/25/dining/25fruit.html Lasting crunch but less scent] Blankenship, S.M., and J.M. Dole. 2003. 1-Methylcyclopropene: A review. Postharvest Biol. Tech. 28:1-25.

External links

* [http://www.smartfresh.com Smartfresh.com]
* [http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/biopesticides/ingredients/factsheets/factsheet_224459.htm 1-Methylcyclopropene (MCP) Fact Sheet] at the EPA