Our History
60,000 BC
The earliest connection between bacteria and humans
dates back to ancient times where fermentation
methods were used in Ancient Egypt and Middle East.
1908
Eli Metchnikoff receives the Nobel Prize in medicine
for his work demonstrating that harmful microbes
can be replaced by beneficial microbes to treat
intestinal illnesses
1919
Milton P. Levy Sr. began National Disinfectant
Company offering just six products and a dream.
1930
Japanese microbiologist Minoru Shirota discovered a
probiotic breakthrough where bacterial flora survived
passage through the gut after ingestion. This led to the
first drink containing probiotics called Yakult which is
still sold today.
1978
The NCH Corporation name was adopted as the
company expanded into new maintenance
product lines. Sales reached $200 million.
1989
Dr. Roy Fuller redefined the meaning of probiotic which
is now known to benefit host animals by improving
intestinal microbial balance.
1995
BIO-Amp™, a revolutionary bacteria generator for use
in drains, wastewater, turf and ponds, is designed.
2003
Widespread production and sales of the
BIO-Amp begins.
2004
Food chains like Panera Bread and Chipotle recently
announced removal of antibiotics in their products,
creating a shift in the restaurant industry.
2013
NCH Life Sciences is founded and begins probiotic
studies in the U.S.
2013
U.S. FDA announces efforts to limit antibiotic use
in animals used for meat.
2015
Restaurant chain McDonald’s restaurants and poultry
producer Pilgrim Pride announce global plans to
reduce overall antibiotic use in their products.
2016
Leading restaurant chains in the United States announce
long-term plans to transition to only cage-free
egg production for menu items.
2018
Patent-pending ECOcharger™ is introduced,
a breakthrough in probiotic delivery.
2020
The United States expanded on their original
National Action Plan of encouraging antibiotic
resistance and increased the priority to combat
antibiotic resistant bacteria among humans,
plants, animals, and the environment.