Features Production Research
Premier mushrooms certified “pesticide free”

July 29, 2008, Emeryville, Calif.
– Premier Mushrooms of Colusa, Calif., has earned the NutriClean
“Lab Tested and Certified Pesticide Free” designation for its full line
of white, brown, and portabello mushrooms.

July 29, 2008, Emeryville, Calif. – Premier Mushrooms of Colusa, Calif., has earned the NutriClean “Lab Tested and Certified Pesticide Free” designation for its full line of white, brown, and portabello mushrooms. The certification was issued by Scientific Certification Systems (SCS). 

SCS’s NutriClean label is reserved for products that undergo Scientific Certification Systems’ (SCS) rigorous certification program, involving full disclosure of pest management practices, evaluation of pest management practices, on-site “worst-case” sampling of products, and laboratory testing to confirm that there are no pesticide residues present at levels above laboratory detection capabilities. This level of detection is 0.01 ppm for most pesticides, and is generally 10 to 1,000 times more stringent than required by law.  
 
“In the 25 years since we launched this program, we have had very few mushroom growers pass this strict test of purity,” said Wil Sumner, Director of Food & Agriculture Testing at SCS.    “Conventional mushrooms are often grown with a lot of agrochemicals to address safety and quality issues. Premier Mushrooms has made real strides by optimizing the use of physical controls, such as micro-air filtration, which allow it to minimize reliance on chemical controls.”
 
“Our air filtration design promotes airflow into the building and prevents escape of interior air and odors, and in addition provides a sterile environment,” explained Aldo Baccala, Premier Majority owner. “Our NutriClean Pesticide Free certification vividly demonstrates how effective our efforts have been, and will help to differentiate our products in the marketplace,” he added.  
 
 
About Premier Mushrooms – Premier Mushrooms is one of Colusa County’s fastest growing ag-related companies, with 32 growing rooms and more than 100 employees. For more information contact: Dawn Dolcini, 707 762 9549, paddolci@sonic.net.
 
About Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) – SCS is an independent certifier of environmental, sustainability, food quality and food purity claims. Over two decades, SCS has developed internationally recognized standards and certification programs aimed at spurring the highest level of environmental improvements, social responsibility, and product performance.  Its programs span a wide cross-section of the economy, recognizing accomplishments in agricultural production, food processing and handling, forestry, fisheries, flowers and plants, energy, green building, manufacturing, and retail. For more information about SCS and the NutriClean program, visit www.scscertified.com or call 510-452-8021.