Dec 2, 2019

Marking 10 years in operation, SmartWash Solutions helps keep food safe

In its 10th  year of serving the fresh-cut produce industry, Salinas, California-based SmartWash Solutions supports operations and food safety in eight countries, while effectively treating over five billion pounds of produce each year. This represents approximately 20 billion servings annually of healthy, fresh produce without a single confirmed food-borne illness outbreak on a SmartWash system-protected wash line.  

SmartWash Solutions was conceived by Taylor Farms after an E. coli spinach outbreak in 2006, to mitigate bacterial cross-contamination in fresh-cut produce environments. Over 10 years, the company’s formed several key partnerships in the U.S. and continues to develop relationships and expand significantly in Europe and Australia.

Over the years, SmartWash Solutions has been recognized for its breakthrough technology and contributions to the fresh produce industry. Awards have included:

• Produce Marketing Association (PMA) Science & Technology Circle of Excellence Award (First-Ever, 2017)
• Food Quality Award by Dupont and Food Quality Magazine awarded to SmartWash customer Taylor Farms Foodservice (2013)
• United Fresh Food Safety Innovation Award: Best new product (2011)

In announcing the Science & Technology Circle of Excellence award, PMA Chief Science Officer Bob Whitaker observed: “It was a tough competition, but ultimately our panel selected SmartWash Solutions because they have developed a solution to help packers and processors of fresh fruits and vegetables to monitor and enhance the quality of wash water in real time. We have all seen the tragic results of foodborne illness outbreaks, and we know what a challenge it is to be able to properly manage water quality – this company is working to address that challenge.”

Since inception, SmartWash Solutions has protected over 43 billion pounds of fresh-cut produce. SmartWash Solutions uses proprietary wash enhancers for both conventional and organic products and has developed an industry-leading wash-water process controller. A revolutionary calibration system, paired with a data system providing real-time feedback, provides transparency for processors and their customers. The comprehensive system also benefits operational efficiency by reducing chemical usage and lessening demands for water, electricity and labor.

“SmartWash Solutions is the only all-in-one food safety company offering enhanced chemistry, process control equipment, data collection and management, annual hands-on training and in-field service,” said Steven Swarts, director of business development.

For more information, visit smartwashsolutions.com.