AK Coatings knows that maintaining the cleanliness of food preparation equipment is a top priority for all food service and food retail professionals. These industries must be constantly on guard to ensure food equipment stays as clean as possible. Equipment made with AgION™ antimicrobial-coated steel, available from AK Coatings, Inc., a subsidiary of AK Steel Corporation, adds another measure of defense, demonstrating inhibited growth of bacteria, molds and fungi on the surface of the steel.

In a restaurant or deli, multiple employees might be in contact with the various pieces of food equipment throughout the day. Likewise, a diverse assortment of vegetables, meats, dairy products and eggs run through slicers and over scales. New plates and bussed plates might touch the same trays that come into contact with an ever-changing staff. As a part of any good cleaning program, antimicrobial-coated steel adds an extra measure of cleanliness. Antimicrobial-coated steel also provides an effective way to further differentiate a product line, building antimicrobial properties into the equipment.

Food industry demand for antimicrobial products continues to grow. For appliances where microbes present a problem, antimicrobial-coated steel is the answer. For slicer platters, scales, warewasher exteriors, fume hoods, vents and other food equipment, AK Coatings provides the materials to make a difference. Using antimicrobial-coated steel for products requires little or no new manufacturing equipment, little or no retrofitting of existing equipment and few, if any, new operating processes.

AgION: The Inside Story
AgION antimicrobial compound is the world’s most advanced inorganic antimicrobial. Its active ingredient is silver, which has been used for centuries as an effective antimicrobial. Silver ions are slowly released from the antimicrobial compound to the surface of the treated steel, inhibiting the growth of a broad array of bacteria, molds and fungi.

Of course, AgION antimicrobial-coated steel is not intended to replace good hygiene. Coated products must still be cleaned to ensure the surfaces will be free of destructive microbes. AgION antimicrobial-coated steel provides an added measure of cleanliness.