PMA OFFERS FOOD-SAFETY DISTRIBUTION PLANNING GUIDE

MINA WILLIAMS

NEWARK, Del. (FNS) -- The Produce Marketing Association has released a food-safety planning guide aimed at all links within the distribution chain. The guide "Food Safety for Produce Distribution: Getting Fresh Produce Safely from the Shopper's Dock to the Consumer" targets transporters, wholesalers, brokers, terminal market operators, retailers and those in the food-service industry.

Covered in the guide are topics including management knowledge and responsibility, supplier relationships, transportation, employee health, hygiene and food safety awareness. Proper cooling, storage, display, equipment and facility sanitation are also examined in the guide.

"This is the only comprehensive document I'm aware of that addresses food safety for the complete distribution sector of our industry, including retail and food service," said Dave Eldredge, vice president sales and marketing, Tanimura & Antle, Salinas, Calif. who is also PMA chairman. "I hope our members will use this guide right away to develop or fine-tune their food-safety programs. The reputation of our companies and our industry depends on it."

The guide, drafted by PMA's Food Safety Advisory Council, was developed and reviewed by food-safety experts to ensure reliability. Bruce Knobeloch, vice president produce, Schnuck Markets, St. Louis, Mo. served as co-chairman of the Council.

"The council set as its first priority filling this gap between the producer and the consumer," he said.