fbtechreview.comNOVEMBER 20238It starts from the field and ensures our growing operations and those that we work with implement, continuously monitor and manage the highest levels of food safety standards. For us, it identifies our level of due diligence in managing and mitigating risks at all levels through our vertically integrated supply chain. To be considered a supplier to Fresh Del Monte, a grower must provide detailed food safety documents, programs, and processes that are reviewed both regionally and by corporate. We operate in over 90 countries, and source fresh produce from hundreds of growers around the world. As we say due to our global footprint, the sun is always rising for our growers somewhere every day. This is tremendous responsibility on ensuring that our growers adhere to not only globally recognized standards in food safety and quality, but also to our own high corporate standards of compliance to food safety standards. The beauty of the fresh produce industry is that we harvest from the planet in a manner that respects not only the planet's limited resources, but also the team members and their local communities that make it their job to ensure that we get the supply we need in a manner that is respectful and understanding of the sensitive nature of our product supply. As a group, we conduct hundreds of audits through on-site visits supported by Corporate and/or Regional auditors, or enlist second parties to review food safety and quality practices on our behalf. During these audits we cover many areas including but not limited to the following; irrigation water system, pre-season risk assessment, soil amendments, field assessments, BY TAKASHI NAKAMURA, VP FOOD SAFETY AND R&D, FRESH DEL MONTEPRE-HARVEST ASSESSMENT: ELEVATING OUR FIELD PRACTICES FOR A SAFER PRODUCE INDUSTRYin myview
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