T&A rolls out its own food-safety measures
T&A rolls out its own food-safety measures
SALINAS, CA -- Tanimura & Antle, based here, has unveiled upgraded food- safety measures for its growers to follow, which became effective Dec. 21.
These measures include increased minimum-distance requirements from potential risks, tightened standard operating procedures for crops near flood risks, managing use of certified compost, increased water quality testing and stricter pre-planting ranch assessments.
Bob Mills, newly hired to the role of director of food safety and quality assurance at T&A, said that after the E. coli outbreak in spinach, the company recognized that "all aspects of growing and harvesting fresh produce needed immediate review."
"One of our strengths is that we are able to move quickly," Mr. Mills said. "Tanimura & Antle strengthened the food-safety/quality assurance group by increasing the number of food-safety managers and support staff."
The food-safety/quality assurance department now is under Mr. Mills' leadership. He assumed the role of director of food safety and quality assurance Nov. 1. His background includes more than 30 years experience in the food industry from several disciplines, focusing on quality assurance and food safety.
"My first priority was to review and enhance our current Good Agricultural Practices program," Mr. Mills said. "The recent E. coli issues surrounding fresh produce prompted us to improve the currently accepted GAP."
Mr. Mills said that the new guidelines have been well received by its growers. T&A's costs will be increased as a result of the new requirements because of testing, loss of farmland, etc., he said.
"As always, our main objective is to produce safe and healthy vegetables for the public," Mr. Mills said.
The fresh produce industry is in the final stages of establishing standard distances for buffer zones, Mr. Mills said. The buffer zones -- which are barren land without vegetation -- are designed to keep out small animals that depend on vegetation and ground cover for protection. The distance can be significant because the greater the distance, the less likely a small animal will risk being seen in the open by a predator, Mr. Mills said.
The new measures address reservoirs used for irrigation. Water quality standards have been established and the reservoirs must be in compliance with the new standards or they will not be used, Mr. Mills said.
T&A now "strictly assesses ranches before planting," Mr. Mills said. This includes evaluation of the land surrounding the ranch and the presence of any wildlife attractants.
Where determined necessary, fences and similar barriers are being erected to keep out the larger animals, he said.
"Fences are costly, but do not cost as much as losing a complete crop due to animal intrusion," Mr. Mills said.
Land previously used to house and feed animals is not permitted for immediate use in growing vegetables, Mr. Mills said. T&A has establish a minimum time frame that the land must be free of animal use, followed by soil testing and ranch assessment prior to planting to validate acceptability of the land.
There are no distinctions between conventionally grown and organically grown products. The GAP program is about growing produce safely and applies equally to both types of produce, Mr. Mills said.
These measures include increased minimum-distance requirements from potential risks, tightened standard operating procedures for crops near flood risks, managing use of certified compost, increased water quality testing and stricter pre-planting ranch assessments.
Bob Mills, newly hired to the role of director of food safety and quality assurance at T&A, said that after the E. coli outbreak in spinach, the company recognized that "all aspects of growing and harvesting fresh produce needed immediate review."
"One of our strengths is that we are able to move quickly," Mr. Mills said. "Tanimura & Antle strengthened the food-safety/quality assurance group by increasing the number of food-safety managers and support staff."
The food-safety/quality assurance department now is under Mr. Mills' leadership. He assumed the role of director of food safety and quality assurance Nov. 1. His background includes more than 30 years experience in the food industry from several disciplines, focusing on quality assurance and food safety.
"My first priority was to review and enhance our current Good Agricultural Practices program," Mr. Mills said. "The recent E. coli issues surrounding fresh produce prompted us to improve the currently accepted GAP."
Mr. Mills said that the new guidelines have been well received by its growers. T&A's costs will be increased as a result of the new requirements because of testing, loss of farmland, etc., he said.
"As always, our main objective is to produce safe and healthy vegetables for the public," Mr. Mills said.
The fresh produce industry is in the final stages of establishing standard distances for buffer zones, Mr. Mills said. The buffer zones -- which are barren land without vegetation -- are designed to keep out small animals that depend on vegetation and ground cover for protection. The distance can be significant because the greater the distance, the less likely a small animal will risk being seen in the open by a predator, Mr. Mills said.
The new measures address reservoirs used for irrigation. Water quality standards have been established and the reservoirs must be in compliance with the new standards or they will not be used, Mr. Mills said.
T&A now "strictly assesses ranches before planting," Mr. Mills said. This includes evaluation of the land surrounding the ranch and the presence of any wildlife attractants.
Where determined necessary, fences and similar barriers are being erected to keep out the larger animals, he said.
"Fences are costly, but do not cost as much as losing a complete crop due to animal intrusion," Mr. Mills said.
Land previously used to house and feed animals is not permitted for immediate use in growing vegetables, Mr. Mills said. T&A has establish a minimum time frame that the land must be free of animal use, followed by soil testing and ranch assessment prior to planting to validate acceptability of the land.
There are no distinctions between conventionally grown and organically grown products. The GAP program is about growing produce safely and applies equally to both types of produce, Mr. Mills said.
