Traditionally, sanitation in the horticultural industry mainly focuses on eliminating plant pathogenic organisms and their host sites to stave off plant diseases. Sanitizing growing facilities is critical in maintaining clean conditions to improve crop health and quality. However, 2020 has elevated sanitation from a general practice to a much more thorough and essential program, where plant health is no longer the only concern. Shortly after the pandemic hit the United States, concerns about worker safety pivoted to include the disinfection of human health pathogens. Sanitation changed, programs needed to be optimized to eradicate both plant and human health pathogens.
Many facilities find peace of mind utilizing SaniDate® 5.0, knowing their workforce is protected from pathogens and harmful residues. BioSafe Systems worked diligently to provide research to enhance product labeling so operations could take advantage of a tool already being used in many of their facilities.
It is now universally recognized that the most effective programs are founded on preventative action. In the past year, more and more suppliers built programs around the mitigation of cross contamination. Products with a multitude of application sites are more important than ever as hard surface control points include more than walls and floors; pathogens can also be carried on hand tools, equipment, carts, trays, and entry points (to name a few). Implementing sustainable chemistries with versatility in applications is an economically conscious choice with additional benefits of minimal REIs and procedures for improved productivity.
Motivated by the shift in priorities, equipment like foamers and foggers, are gaining popularity proving application tools will need to change just as sanitation programs have. BioSafe Systems meets these challenges by taking advantage of innovative technology and continues to look forward as the industry’s future advances towards automation.
Ian Malcom from Jurassic Park stated, “Life uh... finds a way,” and that can’t be more true. "As automation partners with horticulture with robotics, dosing, and monitoring technology, the risk of cross contamination doesn’t go away", the team with BioSafe states. BioSafe Systems will continue to evolve and revise its programs to support growers with the necessary tools they need for a comprehensive sanitation program.
BioSafe Systems