Eco-Friendly Products

FDA Investigates Listeria Outbreak Linked to Frozen Vegetables

Posted on by CT

gty_frozen_vegetables_kb_131025_16x9_608*The CDC reports that eight people infected with the outbreak strains of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported from three states (California, Maryland and Washington). Retailers and restaurants should not serve any of the recalled products and should dispose of them. If they do not know the source of their frozen vegetable products, they should check with the supplier.

Retailers, restaurants, and other food service operators who have processed and packaged any potentially contaminated products need to be concerned about cross contamination of cutting surfaces and utensils through contact with the potentially contaminated products.
Regular frequent cleaning and sanitizing of cutting boards and utensils with Sani Clean may help to minimize the likelihood of cross-contamination.

  • Wash and sanitize display cases and refrigerators where potentially contaminated products were stored.
  • Wash and sanitize cutting boards, surfaces, and utensils used to cut, serve, or store potentially contaminated products.
  • Wash hands with warm water and soap following the cleaning and sanitation process.

sani clean + veggie clean

Listeria can grow at refrigeration temperatures in foods. Listeria can also cross contaminate other food cut and served on the same cutting board or stored in the same area. Retailers, restaurants, and other food service operators may wish to consider whether other foods available for sale could have been cross-contaminated from the potentially contaminated products, and should be discarded.
Whether it’s frozen or fresh organic, always wash your produce with Veggie Clean Antibacterial Fruit & Vegetable Wash as a safe way to dissolve bacteria and prevent food-borne illness.

* Source material from fda.gov article.

FDA Recall- Listeria Outbreak

Posted on by CT

saladThe FDA recently performed a voluntary recall on packaged vegetables to help contain a listeria outbreak. Listeria is a foodborne bacterial illness that can be very serious for pregnant women and people with impaired immune systems. Listeria infection is most commonly contracted by eating improperly processed deli meats, dairy products and produce. See more about this withdrawal at www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/

Veggie Clean is a no-rinse vegetable sanitizer and freshener that works to prevent illness and to keep your veggies more fresh and crispy!

  • Free of alcohol and VOCs.
  • Non-Oxidizing wash free of chlorine, iodine, and QUACs.
  • Biodegradable with a long shelf life.
  • Clinically proven to clear bacteria like e-coli & listeria.

Call 1-800-MIX-SOAP to place an order.
(Dial 718-346-9111)

List of states included in the voluntary withdrawal:

  • Alabama
  • Connecticut
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Michigan
  • Massachusetts
  • Maryland
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • Mississippi
  • North Carolina
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Ohio
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Virginia
  • Wisconsin

List of provinces included in the voluntary withdrawal:

  • Ontario
  • New Brunswick
  • Quebec

EPA ban on Phosphate-based Chemicals

Posted on by CT

epa_photo

written by Wendy Koch- USA Today

Starting Thursday, 16 states will ban the sale of dishwasher detergents that contain high levels of phosphates, a source of pollution in lakes and streams. Stores will not be allowed to sell detergent with more than 0.5 percent phosphorous. The bans do not apply to commercial dishwashing products, and detergents for hand-washing dishes generally contain no phosphorus.

States instituting the rule include Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin, reports the Associated Press.

Some areas such as Spokane County, Wash., have had such bans in place for years.

“Phosphorous is like a fertilizer. It increases algae and aquatic weed growth in water bodies,” Bernie Duffy, natural resource specialist with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, told the AP. He said too much algae depletes oxygen needed for healthy fish and aquatic life.

Sewage treatment plants and private septic systems can remove much but not all of the phosphorous from wastewater, so some of it ends up in lakes, streams and rivers.

Cleanse Tec has launched a Bio-D product line that is a phosphate-free and environmentally safe.  Eco-friendly brands have gained in popularity due to these new guidelines.

Contact a Cleanse Tec representative for product and ordering information: (718)346-9111 or call toll free 1-800-MIX-SOAP.

How To Get Rid of Fruit Flies, Drain Flies, Phorid Flies in 4 Easy Steps

Posted on by CT

Soapy with bright oranges, lines and lemons. Blog Header.

 

 

Fly Time

It’s that time of year again, the flies start emerging.

Fruit flies are commonly associated with overripe and fermenting fruits and vegetables. However, fruit does not to have to be present to attract fruit flies, as they can originate from other sources. They are the number one pest fly in bars and restaurants.

Location, Location, Location

A sink drain - where fruit flies like to breed.The most common breeding places and feeding materials for these small flies are drains and damp, organic materials of some sort.  One of the most popular products to use for any type of fly that has invaded your drain lines is Cleanse Tec’s®  FlyAway™.

Plan of Action

Let’s back up.

First: we need to find the actual source of the flies. A great and inexpensive way to check if it is the drains is to lay a piece of tape over the opening in all the sinks, sticky side down, not covering the entire opening (the flies still need to get in). Leave the tape on overnight – longer if possible.

Next: Check in the morning to see if there are any flies stuck to the tape. It is best to repeat this process for a couple days to be sure. If you have flies on the tape – you know that is your source.

Get started

Once you have determined that yes, it is the drains, you can start taking the necessary steps to eliminate the flies. Start pouring FlyAway™ down the drains right before closing. You can also:

  1. Locate and eliminate all possible breeding and feeding sources for flies and other pests.
  2. Instruct employees on all sanitation measures needed for your type of business.  Sanitation begins with products delivered and continues through food storage, preparation and disposal of waste materials – all the way to the dumpster.
  3. Use FlyAway™ on a regular, preventative basis.
  4. Make good use of ultra violet traps to draw flying insects away from your customers and away from food.

BONUS TIP: Spray Fly Away around the base of bar area nightly to keep away the flies and keep your bar smelling fresh.

Remember: For Infested Garbage Containers: Spray FlyAway™ around garbage bins and on garbage bags each night. This will keep the fruit flies away as well as small rodents.

Keep it Clean

Bar tender cleaning a wine gLass.
Be meticulous about your cleaning!

Remember – as long as there is a food source for the pests they will stay. Keeping everything clean and sanitary will help eliminate your problem even faster. Be meticulous! Start using FlyAway™ today and watch your fruit fly problem disappear.