In our pursuit
of the perfect sprout we have found that a good housekeeping
and sanitation program is very important. First and foremost
we adhere to all Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines
and recommendations. Our third party inspections are performed
by Scientific Certification Systems (SCS). Our Maintenance
Manager, Plant Manager, and Food Assurance &Food Safety
Manager have received training and certification through
SCS in Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP)
and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). They in turn train
each employee in proper procedures needed for the performance
of their individual jobs.
For
more information about SCS visit: http://www.scscertified.com/foodAgriculture/
Bacteria
Testing
To ensure a safe
product from the beginning, we follow all FDA regulations
by disinfecting our seeds in 20,000 ppm chlorine solutions
for at least 15 minutes. This greatly reduces the risk of
harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella. Then, the
irrigation water for each batch of sprouts is tested for
pathogenic bacteria before the sprouts are packaged and
shipped to the customer.
In addition
to regular testing for bacteria and other general parameters
by an outside testing laboratory, we have our own as laboratory
well. Here we perform daily testing for E. coli and Salmonella
using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). PCR is a state of
the art molecular biology technique in which DNA that is
specific to the bacteria being tested for is amplified to
detectable levels. Our sprouts are shipped to the consumer
only after we see that there is not a presence of harmful
bacteria. We know of no one in the industry who currently
uses this state of the art testing method.
In addition
to the daily testing of the product, we also perform routine
total plate count tests around the entire plant in order
to monitor the levels of general bacteria and adjust sanitation
procedures as needed. Our well water is routinely tested
both in our lab and at an outside lab to prevent any contamination
problems before they arise. The chlorine levels of our water
are also closely monitored to make sure the water is adequately
disinfected and that the chlorine level is appropriate for
our organic products.
Another step
that we take to ensure the highest quality sprout is in
the purchase of our seed. All of our seed is certified as
pathogen free, but we also perform our own tests. First
we receive a sample and test it for contamination. Then
after receiving the order, we again test the seed to make
sure of its safety before we introduce it into our production-growing
program.
We collaborate
with staff at the University of California at Davis Departments
of Plant
Pathology and Nutrition
to make our laboratory testing (for bacteria) as stringent
as possible
Shipping
To assure that
we can deliver the safest and freshest product possible,
we process our sprouts 365 days a year. We closely monitor
the refrigeration temperature in both our factory storage
as well as in our trucks.
If a problem
does arise any where in production, we are able to track
each batch of sprouts from germination, to their packaging,
to their delivery, and all the way to the store with our
detailed record keeping system. This combined with prompt
on time delivery and our quality control testing procedures,
promise you the freshest and safest sprouts available today!
We guarantee consistent delivery that is on time and daily,
if needed.
