Tired of Moldy Bread? One Local Company Has a Solution

One of the biggest problems when buying bread is that it doesn't last. Now, one company based right here in Lubbock has found a way to extend that shelf life from days to months.

"You always see the bread guy in the aisle when you come in he's putting bread in taking bread off its just a constant," said Don Stull, CEO of MicroZap.

That constant turn over is something Stull is hoping to eliminate.

"A lot of people don't go through a loaf of bread in 5-7 days and so naturally when they see green on the outside it goes to the trash."

MicroZap is a company that uses microwave technology to kill bacteria and mold.

MicroZap compared treated vs. untreated bread after 60 days and found the treated bread was mold free and still just as tasty.  

"60 day bread sounds somewhat exciting, but some people say well is it any good? So we did sensory panel tests and there were no discernible differences to consumers between bread straight out of the package and 60 day old bread," said Stull.

Stull says they've gotten a positive response from bread manufacturers. He says it will allow them to cut down on waste, and offer a healthier product.

"The cost of preservatives, the cost of additives if you take those out, would be offset against the cost of what we do and probably even be cost saving to the manufacturer," said Stull.

Stull says negotiations with corporate partners are underway and they could have a commercial-size machine up and running early this year. 

"Next step is to put a machine to a strategic partner for pilot production. Now when would that be? We are ready to start that process right now," he said.

 This project started with just bread, but Stull says they've found this technology can be applied to most types of food including meat and produce.  Somewhere down the line, they're hoping to manufacture these machines for home use.