Metropolitan Meat, Seafood & Poultry is proud to announce it has become SQF-2 Certified from the SQF Institute. The SQF Program is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and links primary production certification to food manufacturing, distribution and agent/broker management certification. It is the only certification program to integrate a quality component as well as food safety. Heightened consumer demand for increased food safety assurances moves down the chain with retailers and service providers asking suppliers to provide verifiable proof that robust food safety control systems have been effectively implemented. These systems must have been properly validated and show evidence of continuous monitoring procedures. This is where the Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program comes in. Metropolitan received an outstanding grade on its recent audit. According to Metropolitan President Scott Willard, “It was truly a team effort that virtually everyone participated in. Not only did everyone’s commitment to excellence create marvelous audit results, it created noticeable improvements in every area and every department”. SQF Level 2, which focuses on food safety, is a GFSI benchmarked scheme that is increasingly recognized within the food industry. As global food regulations evolve, SQF recognizes the need to keep pace with the changing regulatory requirements of the various countries in which certification is used. In general, the Preventive Controls requirements focus on preventing –verses reacting –to problems that can cause foodborne illness and apply to many US and foreign firms that manufacture, process, pack or hold human food. Becoming and maintaining SQF 2 certification is yet another indicator ensuring the consumer the food they are consuming has been handled in a safe and responsible manner. | 