GlobalG.A.P., United Fresh reach food safety milestone
GlobalG.A.P. and the United Fresh Produce Association have achieved a food safety milestone.
The GlobalG.A.P. Harmonized Produce Safety Standard, which Washington, D.C.-based United Fresh contributed extensively to, has been benchmarked by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), according to a news release.
The harmonized standard is aimed at reducing "audit fatigue," allowing businesses to focus on food safety rather than passing audits, according to GlobalG.A.P.
"GlobalG.A.P. has a long-standing commitment to eliminating duplication of effort and achieving greater harmonization within the industry worldwide," Kristian Moeller, the organization's CEO, said in the release. "We are proud to be the first scheme owner to make the industry's vision of harmonization a reality in the North American marketplace for those seeking a GFSI-recognized option."
Tom Stenzel, United Fresh's president and CEO, also commended the achievement.
"As Secretariat for the Produce GAP Harmonized Standards, United Fresh Produce Association is thrilled that the standards have successfully been benchmarked through the GFSI process," he said. "We commend GlobalG.A.P. for shepherding the standard through this important process."