the solution is to grow your own ... tomatoes, that is

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compare this with the risk illness from drinking REAL MILK

The recent outbreak of Salmonella in tomatoes has prompted CropKing to consider our bacterial control practices gaining an even further appreciation of the carefully controlled environment of our Bato Bucket system.

To date, there have been at least 167 reported cases of Salmonella across 17 states. These cases have been linked due to the bacteria in each case having the same genetic fingerprint. As we know, the CDC determined that the outbreak is linked to the consumption of fresh tomatoes. Once that determination was made, the FDA began the monumental job of identifying the particular production or processing agent where the outbreak originated. The FDA is working rapidly to identify the source of contamination, but as they work, many in the tomato industry are facing a potential loss.

As greenhouse growers, we should be proud to take this opportunity to remind our consumers of the safe practices used in our CropKing greenhouses. When produce is grown in the field, many environmental factors such as flooding, run-off, and wild animals cause fecal contamination which is difficult or impossible to control. In contrast, the local hydroponic greenhouse environment allows us to regulate and control virtually all aspects of our production and processing.

There are many reasons that your hydroponic grown produce is so much less susceptible to contamination, starting with the total lack of soil in the growing process. Without soil, all soil born pathogens are eliminated. The soil-less growing process we use, along with the biological pest control, (not spraying pesticides), eliminates the need for washing a CropKing hydroponic tomato. The washing process of field grown produce provides many opportunities for contamination. Brush and sponge rollers can harbor bacteria, as well as cause micro- damage to fruit which, although not visible, increases the risk of bacterial colonization.

Our greenhouse grown produce is picked by hand and placed directly into the packing material it will be transported in, and in some cases, sold from. Field grown produce usually travels from the field in trucks or gondolas to be packed, shipped to a processor, unpacked, sorted and subject to water baths to remove soil. It is then repacked and shipped again, often long distances, before it reaches the wholesaler.

Fecal contamination, either directly or through the water supply is the usual source of pathogens such as E. coli and Salmonella. When water comes into contact with produce, the quality of the water determines the potential for pathogen contamination. Direct contact of contaminated water is the most common means by which bacteria enters the fruit. Once contaminated, the bacteria find their way inside the fruit through micro-abrasions and other means that are not well understood. Bacteria are not readily removed from produce just by washing it.

Fecal contamination of a tomato via the water supply is eliminated in a CropKing greenhouse. The water source of a CropKing hydroponic grower is a closed well or city supply. In a Bato Bucket system, the water enters the greenhouse from a clean water source, is dripped directly to the plants, not recycled, and never comes in contact with the fruit. CropKing knows how important it is that our growers are able to be confident in the fact that the produce which they grow is safe! If you have any questions about how you can ensure your consumers of purchasing the safest, healthiest produce, please feel free to contact us.