 For nearly five years, Baloian Farms, Inc. has been using state-of-the-art Ozone Generators, to provide atmospheric sanitation of our cold storage and handling facilities. Ozone oxidizes molds, spores and bacteria. By regulating the levels, we are able to keep the facility free of contaminants while causing no adverse effects to our produce.
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Ethylene Gas Control
 Utilizing technology to control the ripening process of produce also effects the food safety. Using material approved for use with organic produce, our Ethylene Gas Control equipment oxidizes not only ethylene gas but also blue mold and prevents stem rot on our bell peppers. These large air scrubbers treat 100,000 cubic feet of air, every 4-6 hours. |
Sanitary Wash and Precooling
 Proper precooling of lettuce assures pristine arrival conditions. We are using new technology to sanitize the precool water, allowing us to not only cool the lettuce but also gently wash it with a chlorination bath.
We realize these beautiful and nutritious vegetables are being raised and packaged for you and your families. Here at Baloian Packing, we want you to know Food Safety is priority one. We have many programs in place to ensure that you can serve our vegetables with confidence! |
Development of Food Safety Department
BPC's Food Safety Department follows the Good Agricultural Practices ("GAP") and Good Manufacturing Practices ("GMP") Food Safety Programs as designed by FDA/USDA. These practices are implemented by our Director of Food Safety.
 Third Party Audits
BPC has consistently ranked #1 in Primus audits (third party auditor) when compared to the rest of the vegetable industry. One of our company's missions is to maintain this ranking. Audits are performed annually and include onsite inspections of ranches, harvest crews, packing operations and distribution centers.
Detailed Sanitation Protocols
BPC now has sanitation protocols in place from land preparation (before the crop is even planted) all the way to the distribution center where the final packaged peppers are shipped. Also, any truck that backs into a BPC distribution center is inspected by our shipping department before BPC's valuable commodities are placed on board. If the trailer isn't clean, BPC will not load until it is.
Progressive Technology Applications
In 2003 BPC trialed both aqueous and gaseous ozone technology at the packing and storage level of our operations. After successful trials, we are now in the adoption phase of application. Ozone is the most affective sanitizer/oxidizer of mold spores and bacteria available. It is also a natural solution to sanitation versus other products that have dangerous residuals and are not as eco-friendly. Ozone has also been shown to increase shelf life on produce.
Trace Recall
Like a proud parent, we are very involved with and keep track of our vegetables. We can tell you where it was grown, how it was raised, what cooler it was shipped from and to what destination. We have an up to date trace recall program instituted at our company should the need arise to trace products to their origins. |
