Food safety, security and traceability are three fundamental words that are in the forefront of every produce professional’s mind today. Without a strong foundation built around these initiatives it’s difficult to impossible to remain competitive and in some cases, even do business in today’s produce industry.

Peter Condakes Co. Inc., whose executive offices are located on the New England Produce Center in Chelsea, MA, has had a food-safety and security program in place with a manager overseeing it for over a decade. But in May 2013, John Condakes, nephew of company president, Peter John Condakes, stepped into the position of food-safety and security manager.

“From that point we began putting even more stringent policies into effect,” said Condakes. “It’s sometimes difficult to teach old dogs new tricks, as is said, and some of our employees have been with us for many years. But it’s coming along nicely.”

John Condakes, food-safety and security manager at Peter Condakes Co.As just one example Condakes pointed out that when employees enter the building they now have a specifically designated area for their personal items, and they can no longer just toss a jacket aside haphazardly.

“Reminding them constantly is one of my jobs,” he noted. “We also have a strict no cellphone policy, obviously for contamination purposes, and for the same reason food or beverages are not permitted in our packing areas. Loose jewelry is not permitted, which is also related to contamination. Employees are assigned a cleaning schedule for specific areas, and we tell all staff members to stay home if they are sick.”

It’s a lot of work with continual monitoring, but for Peter Condakes Co. it has come with its rewards.

The company has maintained IRB and HACCP third-party certification every year since 2004.

A 110-plus-year-old firm, the company carries all major conventional produce commodities except potatoes, onions and watermelons.

The company specializes in all berry varieties, Western fruits, stone fruits and Florida citrus. Commodity items such as peppers and squashes are also large programs.

Its tomato business is so large that it has a dedicated specific and separate division. The company also has a strong tropical division.

Its primary customers are wholesalers and foodservice operators, but it also has a nice share of smaller chain retailers. Major chains use the company’s products primarily for fill-ins.

Condakes explained that because the company relies on many temporary employees, they are constantly informed and reminded about the company’s food-safety and security policies.

“We bring those employees who do exceptional jobs in on full time positions,” he said. “And we’ve had a couple of our executive team retire recently. We’re a family business, and family members just step in when there’s a void. We power on, step in and direct traffic. We have one clerk out today, so we’re in there picking orders to fill in.”

Condakes has been working for the family business during the summer months since 2004 when he was not in school. He joined the firm full time in 2010.