Certification by BCS laboratories shows ultraviolet disinfectant system for ice machines kills 99.999% of virus
Hubbard’s innovative XSafe ultraviolet disinfection system for Scotsman ice machines has been tested and certified by BCS Laboratories in the US as inactivating over 99.999% of SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) virus in less than a second of exposure.
XSafe was developed by Scotsman and introduced into a selection of the brand’s ice machines in 2020 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The testing was undertaken by BCS Laboratories, which works with local, state, government, and private agencies in America and internationally. BCS confirmed that the XSafe disinfection effect works against SARS-CoV-2 to the same levels as other viruses.
“When the pandemic started, Hubbard knew it had to act quickly to introduce innovative solutions to help businesses raise hygiene standards,” says David Rees, marketing manager of Hubbard Systems. “We knew XSafe was extremely effective against most germs, viruses and bacteria but the confirmation that it is an effective treatment for Covid-19 should provide further peace of mind for users of Scotsman ice machines.”
XSafe uses ultraviolet light to destroy viruses and bacteria, as well as significantly reducing the formation of mould, yeast, mildew, slime and odours. It harnesses the natural disinfectant power of UV light to help keep the interior of ice machines in peak hygienic condition. UV light converts oxygen into ozone, then ozone into activated oxygen. Activated oxygen attacks a wide spectrum of contaminants, including germs and bacteria. It does this by destroying the bonds in the molecules of the contaminating material, converting them into harmless molecules.
During the testing process it was determined that after exposure to the UV radiation emitted by XSafe, 99.999% of the test samples of the SARS-CoV-2 virus were rendered inactive and unable to regrow compared to untreated control samples. Even exposure of just a quarter of a second rendered 98.8% of the virus sample inactive.
XSafe is an integrated unit that processes air constantly, pumping it throughout the ice storage bin ensuring the activated oxygen is distributed evenly throughout the interior. As well as reducing contamination it also helps to prolong the working life of the equipment by up to 30% while reducing cleaning costs by at least 50%. It is more effective than other UV disinfection systems that place the bulb within the ice storage chamber, as that can leave ice at the bottom of the storage bin untreated.