Florida growers ahead of food safety trends
7 December 2009
The Florida tomato industry recently got a chance to show federal regulators the steps it takes to ensure safe shipments when federal officials visited a Florida tomato packinghouse and repacking operation. In late October, Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture officials visited Florida operations to see how food safety regulations were affecting growing and shipping operations.
Safety investments
Grower-shippers invest a lot of money in food safety practices.
The Immokalee-based Lipman Family Cos., which owns tomato and vegetable grower-shipper Six L’s Packing Co. Inc. and produce distributor Custom Pak, hires a worker to monitor field and packinghouse workers’ hand washings.
That is the only thing that worker does, making sure workers properly wash their hands.
“Food safety practices like that one cost us extra money, but that’s the main thing we are into and remains our top priority,” said Larry Lipman, chief executive officer. “We have built what I believe is one of the finest food safety programs in the East. When we give tours to quick-service restaurants, I would hope they come to the conclusion that we do a better job than most if not all of our competitors. I believe we spend more money than anyone.”
Published on 12/04/2009 03:14pm By Doug Ohlemeier
Ref: The Packer
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