Outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease and highly pathogenic avian influenza, which did not occur before 2000, are occurring almost every year in South Korea, wreaking havoc on the livestock industry. African swine fever was first confirmed in a pig farm in 2019. Zoonotic diseases pose a great risk not only to the livestock industry but also to humanity, and pathogens will continue to adapt to the environment and emerge in new forms. Therefore, an efficient livestock biosecurity system is important. In the case of bird flu, there is no clear way to prevent it, and the dangers of antibiotics for prevention have been pointed out, so a different approach is needed. Meanwhile, there is a company that is the first in Korea to prevent avian influenza and livestock infectious diseases and provide safe eggs through patented polyphenol technology.

 

Salmonella on egg shells is the leading cause of foodborne illness

Last month, more than 230 workers at POSCO’s Pohang Plant became ill with food poisoning after eating lunch boxes, and one of them died. The cause of the food poisoning was found to be eggs. Eggs are a valuable source of protein and contain vitamins, calcium, magnesium, and other nutrients, making them a complete food. Egg whites have a high protein content and only 17 calories, making them a popular choice for dieters. However, salmonella bacteria in the shell is the biggest cause of food poisoning. Currently, there are about 300 cases of food poisoning caused by salmonella in Korea, 70% of which are caused by eggs. 

 

Eco-friendly polyphenol nanocoating technology completely kills salmonella 

Effective in maintaining freshness, distribution, and shelf life of eggs

When chickens lay eggs, they form a cuticle film on the egg shell, which prevents the penetration of pathogenic bacteria. The cuticle membrane can prevent pathogens from penetrating, but as contamination can occur with secretions attached to the outside, it is washed and packaged as a product. However, routine cleaning and sterilization destroys the cuticle membrane that previously protected the inside of the egg. This leaves them vulnerable to bacteria and jeopardizes their freshness and safety. For this purpose, Hansol Root One CEO Hansol Hwang researched biocompatible eggshell coating technology and developed polyphenol nanocoating technology with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology. The technology kills E. coli, salmonella, and other bacteria during the cleaning process, and the nanocoating prevents them from reattaching to the egg shell. There are no problems caused by lactic acid residue, and the effect of natural polyphenols provides antibacterial and long shelf life, freshness and health. Hwang said “The technology prevents oxidation of the eggs and prevents the penetration of external pathogens, and is completely eco-friendly as it uses natural products derived from plants. When the eggs are refrigerated, there is little change in freshness during the shelf life, and they remain safely edible for more than two weeks at room temperature.” 

 

Polyphenolic green disinfectant is antiviral and proven to kill pathogens

Sprayed in barns to prevent AI and other infectious diseases

The company is trying to prevent avian influenza (AI) with polyphenol technology and build a livestock smart farm system based on antiviral technology. Every year, large quantities of eggs are discarded due to AI, numerous chickens are culled, and the cost of culling is approximately 400 billion won. AI preventive disinfectants currently in use can cause environmental pollution, and if they are contaminated with organic substances, their quarantine effectiveness is reduced. Accordingly, Hansol Root One has developed a disinfectant using polyphenol and has currently applied for a patent. All raw materials used in this disinfectant are safe as they are only registered as FDA food additives. This can be used as a spray, and if sprayed on poultry farms, pigs and cattle sheds, it can prevent AI as well as other infectious diseases. The antiviral and pathogenic bacteria killing effect was proven in a test conducted at Chonbuk National University. The test results for avian influenza and salmonella showed a virus reduction rate of more than 106 under organic matter-containing conditions, 30% concentration, and 30-minute reaction time. It showed a virus inhibition efficacy of over 99.99. As a result of the antibacterial efficacy test against Salmonella, it showed a bacterial reduction rate of more than 106 during 30 minutes of concentration and reaction time in hard water conditions, showing a bacterial inhibition effect of more than 99.99%. Hwang said “We have validated the antiviral and killing effects on pathogenic bacteria, which fully demonstrates its bactericidal and antimicrobial effects and its potential as a disinfectant for bird flu. We also verified the effectiveness of the polyphonal coating technology in inhibiting the growth of viruses such as bird flu, coronavirus, and rhinovirus.”

 

Antibiotic-free and HACCP-certified grade 1 Momran is healthy and safe eggs, bestselling at Homeplus

Hansol Root One directly produces and distributes antibiotic-free and HACCP-certified Grade 1 special egg Momran using natural extract polyphenol salmonella removal technology. The eggs are free of antibiotics, pesticides, colorants, and egg-laying enhancers, but laid by clean, healthy hens, and are certified by the Food and Drug Administration for HACCP safety management. Hwang said “Just because an egg is produced safely and cleanly doesn’t mean it’s safe to eat. Once the eggs are exposed to the environment, they can become contaminated. There is no point in producing eggs in a safe environment if the product is not safe when it goes out. That’s why we developed the polyphenol nanocoating technology.” Momran is so popular that it was the number one overall seller at Homeplus in February. The company continues to grow its repurchase rate and market share as consumer trust in its taste and safety deepens. It is said that the polyphenol coating, which protects against viruses and ensures thorough hygiene from the production stage, makes a decisive difference from other eggs.

 

▲ Hansol Root One / CEO Hansol Hwang

Establishment of a livestock smart farm system based on antiviral technology

Signed a business agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Fakih Poultree Farms to start smart poultry industry exports

Hwang, who graduated from Seoul National University with a degree in physical education and majored in sports big data at Indiana University, secured technology based on a virus detection system and avian influenza control solution. He is applying polyphenol technology-based green bio 4th industrial technology to build various antiviral detection and prevention smart production platforms. He is preparing to introduce a smart poultry system, a platform that utilizes AI, ICT, smart air conditioning systems, virus detection sensors, and polyphenol disinfectants, in order to prevent viruses from entering the barns and to prevent various diseases. Hwang said “Most barns are very vulnerable to external virus penetration. Therefore, I want to build a system that minimizes penetration factors and monitors and manages the indoor environment, including temperature, humidity, and homogeneity.” Hansol Root One’s smart barn building business is targeting both domestic and international markets, and as part of this, the company recently signed a MOU with Fakieh Poultry Farms in Saudi Arabia. Under the MOU, Hansol Root One will carry out a project to develop a smart poultry industry in Saudi Arabia, and will provide eco-friendly eggshell coatings to eliminate salmonella and to prevent AI. Hwang said “We plan to further promote advanced poultry technology and actively respond to livestock infectious diseases, which are a major global problem. Our planned bio smart farm platform business will be expanded from barns to future smart farms.”

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