Birko Chemical Food Processing Innovation
Birko’s expertise and innovation in food safety is built on a strong technical foundation. Our laboratory facilities include a Class II pathogen lab, headed by Birko’s Research and Development Chemist, Victor Reusch, Ph.D., and supported by a highly-trained team of chemists and microbiologists. These professionals are available for on-site consultations with customers in the protein, produce and brewery industries. In addition to our own staff, we maintain close relationships with leading academic food safety specialists, including Dr. John Henson of Fresno State University in California. Dr. Henson is available for full food safety audits at our customer’s plants.
Birko’s Lab Experts
- Terry L. McAninch, Vice President Research and Development
- Terry was hired by Birko’s founder, Ward Smith, in 1973 and began his career at Birko as a lab technician. He initiated Birko’s quality control program, then progessed into product formulation, field tech service, and troubleshooting. Terry earned a BA in chemistry and mathematics from Clarion University, and an MS in chemistry from The University of Iowa. He is a member of the American Chemical Society, the American Leather Chemists’ Association and the American Oil Chemists’ Society.
- Elis Owens, Ph.D., Chemist / Microbiologist
- Dr. Elis Owens joined the Birko lab team in 2005 from the brewing industry where he held a variety of primary positions in quality assurance and as head brewer. At Birko, he is part of a team developing the firm’s antimicrobial product line and attendant delivery systems. Elis also oversees field trials at customer plants, works with university research partners and outside labs and acts as a government liaison for antimicrobial approvals. Elis also serves as a quality control chemist, with responsibity for the review of all incoming raw materials used in Birko chemical formulations. As a member of Birko’s lab team he is on call to support the day-to-day service of Birko’s Technical Representatives in the field. Elis earned his Ph.D. from the University of Wales in Cardiff, and did post-doctoral research at Michigan State University’s Center for Microbial Ecology.
- Victor Reusch, Ph. D., Research and Development Chemist
- Dr. Reusch received his Ph.D. in biochemistry from Northwestern University. His background also includes study in microbial and industrial chemistry as well as analytical and formulation chemistry. He is a member of the American Oil Chemists’ Society.
- Dana Johnson, Brewery and Produce Specialist
- Dana is Birko’s brewery and produce specialist. He joined Birko in 1979, working in the warehouse before transferring to the lab where he conducted hide and brine analysis. In 1982, he took over the production and shipping of Birko’s patented CON-TACT-IT® Bacteria Detection System. He expanded his role into quality assurance on finished products in 1984. As a formulation chemist, Dana has developed several new Birko products, including the patented XLERATOR®, Acid Brite™ No. 2, Brute Plus™, Way-Vos™, Ultra Niter™, Cell-R-Mastr™ and many others. A home brewer since 1989, Dana became Birko’s brewing products specialist in 1995. He has authored numerous articles for Zymurgy, The New Brewer and other brewery trade publications and frequently posts on the Brewers Association Forum. He is currently the membership chair for the Master Brewers Association of the Americas Rocky Mountain District. Dana attended Mesa College in Grand Junction, Colo.
Birko’s Scientific and Food Safety Advisory Board
Through our Scientific and Food Safety Advisory Board, made up of representatives from top universities, we have access to the latest research in the fields of food processing, meat science and more. This thought leadership includes innovations in sanitation and processing chemicals, HACCP food safety, pathogen reduction, food preservation and state and federal government regulations. Stay tuned for exciting news on Birko’s new Scientific and Food Safety Advisory Board.
