Cantaloupe season promises to be especially important for producers, given the FDA’s plans to inspect cantaloupe packing operations in an effort to prevent tragic Listeria outbreaks. Because the FDA pinpointed standing water and dirty equipment in the 2011 Listeria outbreak in cantaloupe at Colorado’s Jensen Farms, cantaloupe producers will need aggressive food safety protocols to fight pathogens.
Birko, a leader in providing food safety solutions for the produce industry, carries a complete line of antimicrobial interventions, sanitizers and biofilm remediation aids. “The FDA’s final report emphasized the importance of removing pathogens on often-overlooked surfaces including floors and drains,” said Dana Johnson, Birko’s produce specialist. “Our aggressive products fight Listeria and are also helpful in removing biofilms.”
Biofilms are formed when bacteria attach themselves to surfaces in a moist, temperature-permissive environment and begin forming colonies. As these colonies grow they produce a protective, adhering matrix called biofilm that protects them from their surrounding environment.
Because Listeria can grow in floor drains and move up out of drains to the floors, Birko also carries Sterilex® CW502 powder for use on floors and floor drains as a preventative maintenance approach. Sterilex® is the only EPA-registered biofilm remover currently on the market. Other useful Sterilex® products include Ultra-Kleen™ CW502 HF and Ultra Disinfectant Cleaner Solution 1 in combination with Ultra Kleen™ Activator Solution II, which are excellent for the remediation of persistent bacterial problems.
Birko’s technical representatives are all HACCP trained and understand the challenges of developing and maintaining a robust HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) plan. Birko provides complete in-plant cleaning, chemical and sanitation audits, as well as assistance with chemical product usage, custom equipment procurement and employee training.