Promolux Lighting International, a pioneer in the field of lamp production technology, took note when it was alerted consumers to food safety violations in How Safe is your Supermarket?

It’s tough to know how many people get sick from supermarket food, it’s not very serious, perhaps a case of what seems like the flu. People often don’t report food poisoning and if they do, it can still be hard to trace its source. But we do know food poisoning in general is a big problem in this country. The government’s Centers for Disease control estimates 5,000 people die and more than 70 million people get sick each year. 

Cameras were sent into stores where inspection records indicated a history of food safety violations. In 11 of the 18 stores visited, critical violations were uncovered that were capable of causing harm to a person in the form of food borne illness. It was reported finding critical violations like dirt and bugs around food, as well as potential sources of food poisoning from improper temperature control. Thermometers found food being kept either not cold enough or not hot enough. Food like fresh fish on sale in Texas was at least five degrees too warm.”

Bacteria can grow just as easily in a refrigerated unit if it’s not kept at the right temperature. The danger zone is the range of temperature from 41 to 135. And once you get in the middle of that, that’s where bacteria rages and reproduce.  This is part of your job description, keeping foods safe. Keeping hot food hot, keeping cold food cold, and keeping the place clean. It’s a very simple direction.

Promolux International couldn’t agree more, and advises that light bulbs alone can increase surface temperature of foods on display by up to 8 degrees F, especially when placed too near the product. Ultraviolet radiation from general-purpose lamps encourages bacterial growth, enzymes, dehydration and oxidation which degrade food products quality.

The Promolux solution is a line of specialty lamps designed for use in supermarkets and other locations where perishable foods are on display. Safe Spectrum Lamps play an important role in regulating surface temperatures of fresh foods and preventing food borne illness originating in foods kept at improper temperatures. Promolux Safe Spectrum lamps reduce the rate of heat and radiation damage to meats, milk, dairy and other products where bacteria can multiply rapidly and are approved in writing by health officials for meat display and other applications. Promolux Lighting products for quality commercial displays are available in all standard sizes and wattages.

Promolux Lighting International is the first manufacturer to develop a light source that combines superior color rendering with reduction of harmful radiation. Promolux lamps apply Balanced Spectrum technology, a proprietary phosphor-coating process that produces a natural, balanced light and filters out damaging ultraviolet, infrared and visible spectrum wavelengths.

 The largest privately owned supermarket chain in Southern California, San Bernardino based Stater Bros markets has recently completed a retro-fit installation of Econofrost woven aluminum heat reflective night covers onto all of their open refrigerated display cases in all 165 stores. A 36% reduction in energy consumption per hour the covers are used and a significant improvement in perishable product appearance and reduction in shrink are key reasons behind the initiative but even more important “Stater Bros are committed to serving their community. Saving energy is an important part of that commitment”.

Unprecedented growth in residential and commercial development throughout Southern California’s inland empire has continued to tax an already strained electricity distribution grid.  That combined with energy prices which show no sign of stabilizing or lowering, pushed Stater Bros management to consider many different solutions for controlling costs and reducing risk. They found Econofrost night covers gave them the “bang for their buck” they needed.  

Energy savings of 36% per hour used along with a rapid response capability to protecting perishable product in the event of a power interruption or brown out made economic sense to Stater Bros management team. However, during the course of extensive testing, additional benefits were uncovered that even further justified the investment…“significantly reduced shrink and discard in perishable departments and such dramatically improved product appearance and integrity”… EconoFrost night covers were an obvious choice. 

With a variety of brands of night covers available, the management team at Stater Bros had to consider which product would provide them the greatest performance and value along with the least number of maintenance “headaches” while also achieving their expectations for savings. To do this they launched a program of in-store testing that compared price, performance, service and aesthetics of a number of brands, including Econofrost.  Although Econofrost night covers were considerably more expensive than other brands tested they were found to be more robust, delivered the greatest performance and ease of use and had a much longer serviceable life. Their cost, it was felt, could be amortized over a much longer period of time than other brands, “meaning a much better ROI”.

As a partner in their community, Stater Bros Markets are doing their part to conserve energy while contributing in a very significant way to their own “bottom line”.  A real win-win for everyone!

Eco Energy Solutions signs on to distribute Safe Spectrum display lighting

SHAWNIGAN LAKE, BC  July 2, 2008— Promolux Lighting International, producer of Safe Spectrum lamps and a leading provider of  supermarket lighting products for the retail food industry, today announced that Eco Energy Solutions Ltd. will be distributing Promolux lighting products in the Calgary area.

Commercial fresh food retailers and supermarket managers throughout the Southern Alberta region can now order Promolux lamps by contacting ECO Energy Solutions by calling 403 212-3843.

Promolux Region Manager Trevor Brien said “We are pleased to work with Eco Energy Systems to meet the growing needs of supermarkets and food stores in Alberta who are appreciating the benefits of controlling ultraviolet light emissions that cause lipid oxidation and lead to surface damage of foods on the shelf.” 

Representative Samantha Criddle adds, “for any food retailer interested in learning more about color balanced display lighting that is safe for perishable products, they can receive a rapid response to their questions or comments through the Live Support feature that is now an integral part of our website www.promolux.com..”

For further information regarding food safe lighting and merchandising solutions that increase consumer acceptance and reduce UV induced damage to color and flavor we also recommend that individuals visit our scholarly site www.safespectrum.com

A pioneer in developing a light source that combines superior color rendering that is more attractive to customers while reducing harmful radiation, Promolux Lighting makes specialty lamps for quality commercial displays in all standard sizes and wattages. Promolux calls attention to the importance of using correct specialty lighting for food safe merchandising and manufactures Safe Spectrum low radiation lamps specifically for perishable food displays.

Under standard lighting, bacterial growth in sensitive perishable merchandise displays can exceed safe levels. The Promolux Safe Spectrum lamp filters out 86% of the ultraviolet radiation normally emitted by typical fluorescent lamps. Promolux lamps are known for producing vibrant and natural balanced color for merchandise displays and for reduced levels of UV emissions, permitting food displays to stay attractive to consumers longer and suffer less waste.

Promolux Lighting invites inquiries about their balanced spectrum lamps at info@promolux.com. Market Group Ventures, Inc., the parent corporation for Promolux, is a world leader in providing retail technology solutions for merchandisers.

Asias technology exchange discussions aid supermarket business

Food safety issues are the focus of attention at this years massive Food & Hotel Asia Exhibition in Singapore April 22-25, 2008. Promolux Lighting International is pleased to participate in this major international platform that links food industry manufacturers and buyers throughout Asia.

FHA 2008, Asias largest international Food & Hospitality Trade Event, this year features Guy Kurkjian, President of the World Food Safety Organisation, speaking to a Food Safety Forum on significant issues of concern to the food and hospitality industry. The 16th Asian International Exhibition of Food and Drink, Hotel, Restaurant, Bakery and Foodservices, is held at the Singapore Expo Centre, 5 minutes away from the Changi airport. Locate Econofrost and Promolux in Hall 5/5F1-03.

As one of the manufacturers converging in Singapore to bring the worlds best possible technologies to food service industries, Promolux Safe Spectrum Lighting meets with food industry retailers interested in issues of food safety and operating cost reductions. Promolux is a leading manufacturer of Safe Spectrum low radiation lamps designed specifically for food safe merchandising displays.

Promolux calls attention to the importance of using correct specialty lighting for food safe merchandising to overcome merchandising problems of  surface fading, discoloration as well as drying from the evaporation of moisture Ultraviolet radiation emitted by most lighting products not only speeds up the decomposition process, but will also encourage bacterial growth in sensitive perishable merchandise displays. Promolux filters out 86% of the ultraviolet radiation normally emitted by typical fluorescent lamps.

Promolux is known for producing vibrant and natural color for merchandise displays that is very attractive to customers The first manufacturer to develop a light source that combines superior color rendering with reduction of harmful radiation, Promolux invites inquiries about their balanced spectrum lamps for food safe lighting and true color definition at info@promolux.com .  

Econofrost and Promolux can easily become part of every retail stores merchandising strategy.  

Supermarket specialty products on display at international Food Marketing Institute Show 

 Promolux Lighting International joins the high energy and excitement of an international showcase for the supermarket industry on the floor of the Food Marketing Institute Show at the Mandalay Bay Convention Centre in Las Vegas, NV May 5 - 7 2008.

Promolux is a leading manufacturer of true color definition lighting for merchandising displays, and offers low UV lighting solutions that dramatically improve visual impact and reduce drying and fading of fresh food displays. Promolux food lighting can help extend shelf life of perishable food displays by reducing oxidation and other damaging effects of light. Promolux invites inquiries about their low radiation lamps  designed for fresh food displays about how they help maintain product integrity, color, freshness and the nutritive value of meats, dairy, produce and other fresh food display

Promolux offers display case manufacturers and distributors, design firms, refrigeration equipment distributors, and commercial food equipment distributors the economic and food safety benefits of installing Safe Spectrum specialty lighting. Representative Jamie Orr noted that supermarkets around the world, particularly in North America and Europe, are switching to color corrected lighting for food displays in order to overcome color distortions caused by everyday lighting products. Promolux lighting is designed specifically for food marketing and the visual impact of installing color balanced Promolux lamps in fresh food display cabinets can immediately help maximize sales.

The Promolux blend of phosphors and coatings reduces the damaging effects of light on perishable food displays. Promolux lamps emit less heat and produce lower levels of ultraviolet light emissions than everyday commercial lamps. Food retailers who use regular overhead lighting for their food display cases not only make the products look unappealing with excessive brightness and yellow glare, but introduce high UV radiation, particularly in the UV-A and UV-B range, emissions that act to increase the surface temperature of food, accelerate spoilage, and discoloration. Installing Promolux lighting helps control the product shrinkage that erodes profit. In most cases, shrinkage reductions alone will pay for the investment in Promolux within 90 days.

Business entrepreneurs can inquire about opportunities to distribute Promolux lighting products to supermarkets and other retail food stores. Market Group Ventures, Inc., the parent corporation for Promolux Lighting and Econofrost night curtains, is a world leader in providing retail technology solutions to merchandisers.

Promolux Lighting International presents Safe Spectrum Lighting to food industry executives at the innovative StorePoint marketing event, January 13 to 16.

The luxurious Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa in San Antonio offers Texas hospitality to the highly organized StorePoint trade event where prearranged meetings efficiently bring together retailers and suppliers looking for productive business partnerships in self service retail. General sessions focus on the challenges of change, designing green buildings and the use of environmentally responsible products. Promolux meets retailers in executive boardroom sessions and one-on-one meetings to show the economic benefits of installing balanced spectrum lighting for superior food displays in the supermarket industry. Promolux promotes awareness of food safety issues among retailers and merchandisers and alerts display case manufacturers and distributors, design firms, refrigeration equipment distributors, and commercial food equipment distributors to the benefits of food safe specialty lighting.

Representative Jamie Orr notes that supermarkets around the world, particularly in Europe, are switching to color corrected lighting for food displays to overcome color distortions caused by everyday lighting products. Business entrepreneurs can inquire about opportunities to distribute Promolux lighting products to supermarkets and other retail food stores. Market Group Ventures, Inc., the parent corporation for Promolux Lighting and Econofrost night curtains, is a world leader in providing retail technology solutions to merchandisers.

We all use lights and have a variety of lighting fixtures in our house but have you ever really stopped to think about the lighting industry in greater detail?  The lighting industry is more than just fancy lights and light fixtures for households.

For example, the commercial lighting industry that services the needs of large supermarkets, independent grocery stores, butcher shops and bakery shops.  Why is this market so different?  What special needs do these grocery stores have and how is lighting filling this niche market?

To begin with the need for specialty lighting is very significant for supermarkets especially when it comes to designing a new layout for their store.  A store has many perishable food display cases and self-serve cases.  These display cases have different requirements when it comes to lighting and the type of lighting installed can mean a cost difference of thousands of dollars

The first and foremost reason that a department manager needs to be concerned with what type of lighting they install in their perishable cases is because it is well documented that lighting causes oxidization of perishable products.  The UV radiation from lighting (visible and non-visible spectrum) can cause meat to turn color and dry out decreasing the value and integrity of that product.  Then there is the potential danger of bacteria growth which can be encouraged under the wrong lighting, again a concern of many department managers.

If a supermarket makes the wrong decision and installs incorrect lighting that was not specifically designed for perishable applications the end result will be sizable shrinkage (spoiled food that must be thrown out) and the dollar value loss associated with losing the sale and then having to throw out the spoiled product.

So what foods are affected by the effects of lighting?

Perishable foods including fruits and vegetables, deli meats, deli salads, cheeses, and packaged meat are the most severely affected by poor lighting.  Dairy products like milk may be affected as well as many other beverages including beer and wine, the only difference with beverages is that the type of packaging plays a key role in just how much oxidization of the product occurs.

Stores are becoming more conscious of their in-store practices and their need to increase product integrity.  Supermarkets spend thousands of dollars to get the customer through their doors, they spend thousands of dollars on store design and in-store advertising, all aimed at increasing sales and appealing to the customer.  As a consumer what is one of the first factors that influences your decision to buy a specific product?

That’s right, the appearance of the product. 

Your meat should look red, juicy and tender, not dark or brown, hard and dry.  Your salads should be fresh looking and maintain their moistness and freshness, the same thing for cheese, the color should be vibrant not faded and should be moist, not dry.

So what are the options store department managers have when it comes to increasing the integrity and quality of their perishable products?  First the department managers are responsible for convincing their store managers of the necessity for installing lighting that has been specifically designed for food applications, lighting like Promolux Balanced Spectrum low radiation lamps.

By installing lamps that are designed to reduce and eliminate those portions of the UV radiation the department manager is ensuring that his/her customers receive the freshest product while reducing their loss of shrinkage.  Supermarkets that are utilizing the products and technology available to them have the advantage over other supermarkets that are still deciding how they will manage their in-store operations and design. 

The importance of specialty lighting and energy management systems can mean the difference between a profit or a loss in a department but it could mean more than that, the consumer is looking to these supermarket giants as industry leaders who need to set an example and make a firm commitment to solving their in-store challenges in an efficient and eco-friendly way.  Throwing away tons of spoiled food is not an eco-friendly operation especially when it could have been prevented by installing the correct lights in the display case.

Market Group Ventures, Inc. a leading manufacturer of technology solutions for merchandising displays, brings Safe Spectrum specialty lighting and Econofrost reflective night curtains to the global marketplace October 13-17, 2007 at ANUGA 2007.

The massive international fair hosted by the colorful multicultural city of Cologne, Germany, combines ten trend-setting trade fairs under one roof where trade visitors from 156 countries can come together to discover the latest innovations in the world of food and beverages and find opportunities for cross-border trade.

Safe Spectrum lamps are designed specifically for fresh food displays to maintain product integrity, color, freshness and the nutritive value of fresh meats, seafood, deli meats, cheeses and prepared foods, produce, and salads and other fresh food displays. Safe Spectrum technology is a proprietary phosphor-coating process that produces balanced spectrum light and filters out damaging ultraviolet and other harmful wavelengths.

See how MGV Inc., can easily provide component solutions in display equipment and be part of every retail stores food merchandising strategy. MGV Inc., the parent company for Safe Spectrum and Econofrost, has supplied technology to the international retail food industry since1975.

Econofrost appears at the North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers show where exhibitors roll out a broad array of food service equipment, supplies and technology to some 20,000 foodservice professionals.

NAFEM, a major trade association of foodservice equipment and supplies manufacturers, hosts this years biennial trade show from October 11-13, 2007 at the Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Participation in the highly popular event for the food equipment industry means Econofrost can show the food retailing industry how supermarkets can simply and affordably save energy costs while ensuring food safety and extended shelf life of fresh foods on display.

Food industry retailers interested in increasing energy savings and reducing operating costs can meet Econofrost representatives at booth 7838 on the trade show floor. Econofrost also invites display case manufacturers, food equipment distributors, store design firms, refrigeration equipment specialists, and energy consultants to stop by.

Econofrost thermal night covers are easily pulled down to stabilize cooler temperatures in open refrigeration cases overnight to reduce energy losses, prolong the shelf life of refrigerated merchandise, and decrease the energy load on refrigeration equipment. Independent laboratory tests have proven direct energy savings of up to 36%, and using Econofrost night curtains results in lower heating and air conditioning costs. Leading quality Econofrost night covers can be specified as an option from most manufacturers of commercial refrigeration equipment or ordered for retrofits. 

 Econofrost has served the supermarket industry since 1975 and made over 250,000 installations in nearly 30 countries. Market Group Ventures, Inc., the parent corporation for Econofrost and Promolux Lighting International, is a world leader in providing retail technology solutions for merchandisers.