Rosenhayn, NJ–F&S Produce Company Inc., a leading manufacturer, marketer and distributor of fresh-cut produce and other refrigerated value-added products, has again achieved the highest level of SQF (Safe Quality Food) Certification for its line of IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) vegetable products. F&S has significant processing capacity for IQF products, and has a proprietary process that maximizes quality by optimizing product color, texture and consistency, while minimizing product defects and overall costs. David Kretser, vice president of industrial sales at F&S, indicated that “a number of different slices, dices and cuts of IQF vegetables can be produced at F&S, and these can be custom-cut to meet the needs of our industrial users and foodservice customers.”
F&S was an early adopter among produce companies in achieving the highest level of SQF Certification, which is SQF 2000 Level 3. It was first certified as SQF 2000 Level 3 in 2010 and was re-certified again in February 2011. Doug Nicoll, PhD, director of technical services at F&S indicated that “SQF is a global food safety and quality certification and management system that is sought after by many US food processors. We have developed a comprehensive and enhanced quality system at F&S as a result and we are finding that many of our customers are requiring or requesting that we have this program in place.” SQF is administered by the Food Marketing Institute (FMI), and is designed as a food safety program but also covers product quality, a feature that is unique to a certification program of this type. The certification independently verifies that food safety plans have been implemented in accordance with the HACCP method and that the company adheres to applicable regulatory requirements and is effectively managing food safety and quality.
SQF is an accepted food safety and quality program that is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). Under the umbrella of GFSI, 8 major global retailers came to a common acceptance of GFSI benchmarked food safety audit programs in June 2007, which included Ahold, Wal-Mart, Delhaize, Carrefour, Tesco, ICA, Metro and Migros. These global retailers, as well as many other food service, retail and manufacturing companies, have now joined this approach and have begun to require their suppliers to be certified by one of the four GFSI auditing programs, which includes SQF. SQF is the most common GFSI-accepted programs that is used by US processors and growers.
F&S Produce uses the IQF process to freeze vegetables at their peak quality and freshness. Each individual cut is trimmed, cleaned, mechanically and physically inspected, and—after leaving the freezing tunnel—re-inspected before packaging. Finished product is either delivered to the customer’s plant or placed in F&S’s freezer-warehouse, according to the customer’s specifications. The IQF procedure optimizes the flavor, texture, and nutrition of the packed items.
The F&S IQF line offers both standardized and specialized cuts to F&S Produce’s industrial clientele. “Zucchini works particularly well using this process,” said Kretser. The process can also be applied to carrots, onions, celery, red and green bell peppers, jalapeno peppers, and other vegetables.
F&S works closely with industrial R&D and quality assurance departments to ensure that their products meet the needs of their customers. SQF certification allows F&S customers to have confidence that F&S products are safe to use in further processing. Microbiological specifications and other quality parameters are established and mutually determined between F&S and each customer.
F&S services retail and foodservice accounts throughout the Northeast and industrial accounts nationally from its 125,000 sq. ft. operations in Rosenhayn, New Jersey. The company has an extensive quality assurance system in place and is SQF 2000 Level 3 Certified, Organic certified, Orthodox Union Kosher Certified, and Halal Certified. Pipco Transportation is a dedicated in-house distribution company that services the entire northeastern United States. More information about F&S Produce can be viewed at www.freshcutproduce.com.
Source: F&S Produce Company Inc.