BioSafe Systems receives unique approval in Arizona

Yuma, Arizona, leafy greens growers now have a treatment for irrigation water designed to reduce and control Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and Salmonella enterica.

BioSafe Systems received a Special Local Need (SLN) label in Arizona for the control of the foodborne human health pathogens for SaniDate 12.0, the only labeled product that can be used for STEC (including O157:H7) and Salmonella enterica in preharvest agricultural water, according to the company.

“We have worked diligently over the last several years with growers, Arizona state agencies, and the University of Arizona to bring this improved label to market to help growers meet FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, and Arizona LGMA (Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement) regulatory requirements with full and absolute confidence,” according to a SaniDate news release.

The Arizona and California LGMAs were established following a 2006 outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 traced to fresh spinach from California. Since then, more outbreaks of E. coli have been linked to leafy greens. The LGMAs established have rules for members, including the treatment of irrigation water.

State agencies use supporting data to determine a special local need when an existing or impending pest problem is not being controlled by a currently federally registered pesticide, or if that pesticide isn’t available, according to the release. A special local need label may also be produced if the product is more effective or less harmful than the one currently in use. Each state oversees the monitoring of products and applications that are approved for the specific local needs.