Food Safety Concerns Us All

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Author: Barbra Walk  

Having safe and healthy employees is so important to Columbia Fruit Packers in Wenatchee that about six years ago the company hired a part-time nurse. 

“When the nurse isn’t meeting with employees, she is on the floor looking  for potential problems,” says Mike Wade, general manager of Columbia Fruit. 

For instance, she notices if there’s any work being done that requires repetitive motion, a potential health issue for Columbia Fruit employees.

Employees can make appointments for any health issue, whether it is work related or not. The cost factor for the company, as well as the employee, has been beneficial to both, according to the monthly reports Mike is given.     

Keeping the work environment safe isn’t Columbia Fruit’s only goal – they are also concerned with the public’s safety. 

Recent widespread salmonella outbreaks in tomatoes and peanut butter  have increased the public’s awareness of potential contamination in grown and processed foods.  

Mike explains that Columbia Fruit has worked hard to make sure that all  aspects of its operation are safe. He is able to quickly dispel any worries in this area by discussing their processes.  

“Food safety programs have changed over the years,” he explains. “The Safe Quality Food (SQF) program has helped us to keep better records of all aspects of our company. Our employees are better trained and our records of chemical usage are instrumental in growing better fruit.”  

The SQF Program is a leading, global food safety and quality certification program and management system designed to meet the needs of buyers and suppliers worldwide. The Program provides independent certification that a supplier's food safety and quality management system complies with international and domestic food safety regulations. This enables suppliers to assure their customers that food has been produced, processed, prepared and handled according to the highest possible standards.  

Columbia Fruit is also required to practice a “trace-back exercise” where tainted fruit is sourced to the farm it came from and then processing is stopped until all tests are passed. This exercise is a great way to know what to do if such an instance were to occur and equips Columbia Fruit with the tools needed to handle just such an emergency. 

Finally, Columbia Fruit practices OSHA’s Process Safety Management. The PSM program helps to ensure a safe and healthy work environment by auditing companies that use hazardous chemicals. There are several requirements that companies must meet. 

“This works for everyone,” Mike says. “The government is able to see that all codes are being met. When we pass inspection, then we’re covered for two years.” 

If, however, any violations are found, the auditors let the company know what corrections need to be made, but the company is not fined. Since companies call in OSHA voluntarily, then they are given a “bye” as a good-faith gesture. 

About their WFB Retro/Safety Membership 
Columbia Fruit Packers in Wenatchee has tried other retro programs over the years, but has been a member of the WFB’s Retro/Safety program for more than a decade. 

“The other retro programs we  tried didn’t fit our needs,” says Mike Wade, general manager of Columbia Fruit. Mike remembers being a little ner vous about the size of the WFB Retro/Safety pool at first. “Our rates were dependent on how well other companies did, which was a little unsettling. But with the eligibility criteria established, we have no complaints,” says Mike. 

According to Mike, there were two critical factors when searching for a retro program – education and the claims management support. 

“WFB Retro/Safety requires us as members to attend safety meetings. These safety meetings give great insight on how to deal with L&I and they’ve also helped our company instill better safety measurements in our orchards and warehouse,” says Mike. 

Mike appreciates that the services of the WFB’s Retro/ Safety directors are available at no additional charge to help companies create a safer workplace and prevent worker injuries. 

For more information about Columbia Fruit or its products, visit www.columbiafruit.com.  

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SQF means Safe Quality Food
The SQF Program is a fully integrated food safety and quality management protocol designed specifically for the food sector. It has been the culmination of 10 years development and is designed specifically for the food industry with application at all links in the food supply chain. 

The SQF 1000 Code 
The SQF 1000 Code is designed specifically for primary producers. In addition to GAP's a producer develops and maintains Food Safety and Food Quality Plans to control those aspects of their operations that are critical to maintaining food safetyand quality.  

SQF 2000 Code
The SQF 2000 Code has wide appeal across the food manufacturing and distribution sectors. In addition to GMP's a supplier develops and maintains Food Safety and Food Quality Plans to control those aspects of their operations that are critical to maintaining food safety and quality. 

Source: http://www.sqfi.com