Fresherlonger
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FresherLongerTM is a food storage product sold by The Sharper Image since March 2006 that uses silver nanoparticles to reduce bacterial, viral and fungal growth. They are stated as allowing food stored in them to stay "fresher longer" up to 3-4 times over other containers. They, along with multiple other Sharper Image products containing silver nanotechnology (all ZN products), were temporarily removed from the store's product line in late 2006 to update the packaging in order to comply with new EPA regulations dealing with any product containing silver nanoparticles. The EPA, in November 2006 imposed regulation on any consumer product claiming antimicrobial use through nanoparticles, requiring the manufacturer to provide scientific evidence that the particles would not be released into the environment. This was to ensure the protection of the organisms in environments outside of the use of the product, and classified the technology as a type of pesticide.
After a short re-marketing of the products' stated abilities, FresherLonger was placed back on the corporation's product line. The packaging and advertising had been altered to avoid the issue of silver nanoparticles altogether, making use of the new EPA regulation's ambiguous enforceability (no claim of killing microorganisms, no scientific evidence required).
The polypropylene containers use locking clasps on each side of the lid, and a patent-pending silicone seal system to prevent air circulation that aids bacterial growth. Due to the silver nanoparticles they contain, the containers have a characteristic yellow tint. They are marked to be suitable for use in microwave (without the lid), dishwasher, and freezer applications.
[edit] References
- BUSINESS WIRE (2006-03-08). Sharper Image Introduces FresherLongerTM Miracle Food Storage Containers. Press release. Retrieved on 2006-12-19.
- Weiss, Rick (2006-11-23). EPA To Regulate Nanoproducts Sold As Germ-Killing 2. Washing Post. Retrieved on December 19, 2006.
