We all want a clean cannabis facility that provides a positive working environment and
promotes a healthy environment for plants to grow. Unfortunately, cleaning leaves behind
stubborn pathogens that are invisible to the naked eye, some of which may be destructive
to your crop and can even make your employees and consumers sick. You must disinfect to
remove and deactivate all those remaining stubborn pathogens that cleaning still leaves
behind.
WHAT IS PRE-CLEANING?
In areas of your facility where soils accumulate, pre-cleaning is required.
Pre-cleaning consists of removing any visible debris on the surface. In a cannabis
facility cleaning and disinfection program, this preliminary pre-cleaning step is
essential. While it will not affect microbial growth, it can make disinfection easier
and more effective. Pre-cleaning will also remove dust and other sources of allergens.
WHAT ARE CLEANING PRODUCTS?
A cleaning product is anything that removes dust, dirt and odours from surfaces but
will not achieve disinfection. Cleaning products can be liquids, powders or wipes.
Cleaning may seem like a good thing, but performing it incorrectly can do more harm
than good. A contaminated mop, brush or cloth used for cleaning can spread infectious
agents from one area or room of your facility to another.
WHAT IS SANITATION AND SANITIZING?
An effective cannabis sanitation and disinfection program will prevent infestation of
your facility against certain microorganisms and cross-contamination between work
areas. Careful cannabis facility sanitation and disinfection can create an overall
healthier environment for your employees and your crop. Sanitizing reduces the number
of bacteria, viruses and fungi to a safe level.
WHAT ARE DISINFECTANT PRODUCTS?
Disinfectant products kill particular types of microbes. A disinfectant may be
effective against organisms in any or all of the below categories.
A product’s label should specify the particular classes of microorganisms it can eradicate.
Disinfectants can be categorized as:
-
Germicides
-
Virucide
-
Fungicides
-
Bactericides
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All of the above
WHAT IS STERILIZATION?
The sterilization process involves the destruction of any form of life or biological
agents present. It often involves high heat, pressure or strong chemical agents, and it
is not generally necessary or desirable in a cannabis facility.
COMPLYING WITH HEALTH CANADA STANDARDS
Licensed cannabis facilities are subject to the guidelines and restrictions of Canada
Health. They apply to many aspects of production, including safety and quality
control. The implementation of a cannabis cleaning and disinfection program is
mandated but does not address quality standards. Eliminating any microbial
contaminants in fresh and dried cannabis is vital to meeting the requirements of
quality control and in preventing recalls.
WHY IS DISINFECTION VITAL TO YOUR FACILITY?
Many organisms threaten both the health of cannabis plants, staff and consumers of
cannabis. Botrytis cinerea, or grey mould, is a fungus that is commonly responsible
for the loss of cannabis. Another potential invader is the fungus Podosphaera
macularis, which is one of the pathogens that can cause powdery mildew. It weakens the
crop and may also cause illness to consumers if cannabis products are contaminated.
Employees and facilities must prevent the growth and spread of these and other
pathogens to comply with regulations and protect your business.
WINNING THE WAR
In the antimicrobial battle, effective disinfection safeguards your cannabis crops.
The ideal product should cover all the bases – it should clean and disinfect, it
should also be easy to apply and safe for your staff, your equipment and the
environment. Fortunately, disinfectants containing Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide®
(AHP®), such as SHYIELD™, fit that criteria perfectly. Employing them in your facility
will help secure the health of your plants, employees, consumers and the business as a
whole.
