Food safety has always been a subject of great importance. Food safety begins with good agricultural practices (GAP). Since crops are grown in a medium of soil and water, a farmer must use good agricultural practices to prevent contamination from these elements to the fruit. We try to grow our crops in conditions that are not conducive to contamination from the environment that supports the plant. Contamination from animal waste, such as wildlife and animal manure, is also a potential problem to be avoided. Pesticides, which can also pose food safety risks, are used in accordance with strict state and federal EPA regulations to prevent harmful levels of residues on the product. And finally, as with all products that are handled by manual labor, a comprehensive food safety program is in practice of worker hygiene and sanitation to prevent human microbial contamination.
Our melon and asparagus growing and harvesting operations are independently audited and certified by Scientific Certification Systems, http://www.scscertified.com/ for Good Agricultural Practices.
Please watch this informative video regarding cantaloupes and food safety in California.
While we strive to prevent any food-borne bacteria from being carried on the fruit to the consumer, it is extremely difficult to be certain that the external surface of the fruit is 100% pathogen free. Therefore, we highly recommend that the consumer also use good food safety practices in their kitchen, taking care to prevent cross-contamination with utensils and cutting surfaces from the outer surface of the melon and from other foods.