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(MIA0606-2)

MINNEAPOLIS, MARCH 1, 2006

A new study comparing the cleanability of four widely used countertop materials showed that granite, marble and engineered quartz surfaces are all easily cleaned to meet FDA surface sanitizer criteria of 5-log reduction pathogens on the surface.

The Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management in Minneapolis, MN conducted the study, comparing Dakota Mahogany Granite from South Dakota, Uba Tuba Granite from Brazil, Carrara White Marble from Italy and Snowdon White Engineered “Stone” by Cambria.

The unsealed marble and granite samples were traditional natural stone, created by nature over millions of years. The engineered stone is man-made from various sizes of quartz aggregate mixed together with a polymer adhesive binder and pigments.

The test organism used for the study, according to Dr. O. Peter Snyder, Jr. of the Hospitality Institute was E.coli ATTC #25922, a non-pathogenic E.coli. It was spread on each countertop surface and allowed to dry for l5 minutes. The surfaces were then cleaned by a variety of typical, everyday, household methods.

“Overall, there was no statistical difference in reduction after wash and rinse for any of the four surfaces,” Dr. Snyder said. “This indicates that the differences in surfaces used in the tests did not make a significant food safety difference in cleanability. The study, funded by the Marble Institute of America, showed that typical stone countertop materials are very easily cleaned to meet FDA guidance for reducing food contact surfaces to a safe level, “he explained.

The new study involving granite, marble and engineered stone was a follow-up to one done in 1999 by Dr.Snyder in which granite was named tops in cleanability in tests involving several other surfacing materials including stainless steel, concrete, tile, wood plastic and laminate.

“The prevention of cross-contamination of pathogens on kitchen counters is very important to protecting the health of the family,” said Gary Distelhorst, executive vice president of MIA, headquartered near Cleveland, Ohio. “The study shows conclusively that natural stone and engineered stone essentially have the same level of cleanability, which is important for consumers to know.”

About the Hospitality Institute of Technology

The Hospitality Institute of Technology & Management is a research, consulting and education company that promotes correct and operationally effective food science and quality knowledge and application. For further information on HITM please visit www.hi-tm.com or call 651-646-7077.

About the Marble Institute of America

For over 60 years the Marble Institute of America (MIA) has been the world's leading information resource and advocate for the natural dimension stone industry. MIA members include marble, granite, limestone, sandstone, and other natural stone producers and quarriers, fabricators, installers, distributors, and contractors around the world.

-ENDS-

Subject: STUDY SHOWS MARBLE, GRANITE, ENGINEERED STONE HAVE SAME LEVEL OF CLEANABILITY

Visit: http://www.marble-institute.com/

Contacts:

Jim Hieb
Marble Institute of America

Tel: (440) 250-9222

E-mail: jhieb@marble-institute.com

Bill Levy
Bill Levy Communications

Tel: (216) 861-6778

Or e-mail: blevy@levymg.com

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