EPA Approves SaniDate 12.0 for Reduction of Foodborne Pathogens in Preharvest Agricultural Irrigation Water

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. — After years of collaborative work with industry and university researchers, BioSafe Systems announced that SaniDate 12.0 has been approved by the EPA for the reduction of foodborne bacterial pathogens in preharvest agricultural irrigation water. According to BioSafe Systems, SaniDate 12.0 is currently the only EPA-registered product labeled for the reduction and control of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), including O157:H7, and Salmonella enterica in preharvest irrigation water.

SaniDate 12.0 uses peroxyacetic acid to kill potentially harmful human health pathogens that can contaminate irrigation water used in the production of fruits and vegetables. E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica are two of the most common culprits in food safety recalls and foodborne illnesses. While there are several postharvest EPA-registered products in the marketplace for controlling human health pathogens, SaniDate 12.0 is the first of its kind for controlling these harmful bacteria in preharvest irrigation water, said BioSafe Systems.

"SaniDate 12.0 raises the bar in food safety in preharvest irrigation water," said Dr. Jay Sughroue, agriculture Southwest area manager for BioSafe Systems, who has been working with fresh produce growers in the desert Southwest to treat their irrigation water for over 13 years.