HENDERSON, COLO., Birko, a leader in providing food safety solutions to the produce industry, has partnered with Rasch Brothers, Grand Rapids, Mich., on specialized chemistry and equipment for their apple packing and storage operations.
Birko supplied Rasch Brothers with a suite of specialized chemistry to control pathogens and improve facility sanitation, including:
- Foam Chlor 535™, a liquid self-foaming, chlorinated cleaner
- Way-Vos™, a low foaming, heavy duty liquid alkaline CIP cleaner with water conditioners, wetting agents and corrosion inhibitors
- Ultra-Quat™, a 10% active, four-way quaternary ammonium sanitizer/disinfectant
- Algae Guard™ Quat Blocks, which help control microbial growth in cooling unit condensate drain pans
- Alpet® D2, an isopropyl/quat based formula that sanitizes in 60 seconds and disinfects in five minutes
Rasch Brothers also installed a 20-gallon Birko portable rolling foamer to apply sanitation cleaners, a 10-gallon portable flood sanitizer and a four-way chemical mixing station.
“Birko was focused on helping us develop a sanitation program on the front end,” said Andrew Duron, Rasch Brothers’ food safety manager. “Of course Birko addressed our chemistry needs, but we were especially impressed by their emphasis on improving our sanitation program.”
Birko provided full employee training on safe and effective chemical handling for Rasch Brothers, in addition to training on chemical titrating. Additionally, Birko technical representative Rex Lehner implemented a full sanitation program and new sanitation procedures. Lehner also advised Rasch Brothers on the location of a new chemical cage, eye wash and shower to ensure proper safe and compliant chemical storage.
About Rasch Brothers
Rasch Brothers is a fifth-generation, family owned company in Grand Rapids, Mich. In addition to apples, Rasch Brothers grows and packs peaches, purple plums, pears and apricots.
About Birko
Birko is a leading provider of food safety solutions to the produce, meat and beverage industries. Birko manufactures concentrated chemical formulations used in plant cleaning and sanitation, as well as antimicrobial interventions used to reduce pathogens from the manufacturing process of food. Birko’s equipment division, Chad Equipment, LLC, designs and manufactures chemical dispensing systems and state-of-the-art washing systems as well as equipment used for food safety protection. Birko is a Produce Marketing Association Gold Circle Contributor and a member of United Fresh Produce Association. Founded in 1953, Birko is ISO 9001 certified. It is also a WBENC Certified Women’s Business Enterprise.
Source: Birko