FMI’s Safe Quality Food Program Certifies Mexico Greenhouse Produce Companies
All 150 members of the Mexican association for companies that grow produce in greenhouses and other covered structures -- known as protected horticulture -- recently committed to becoming certified under the Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program of the Food Marketing Institute (FMI).
The commitment is part of a new food safety and quality initiative by the Asociación Mexicana de Horticultura Protegida (AMHPAC), whose members produce 900,000 tons of bell and hot peppers, cucumbers, eggplants, tomatoes and specialty items per year -- most of which is exported to Canada, Europe, Japan and the United States.
“AMHPAC’s strong commitment to food safety will benefit the millions of American consumers who increasingly enjoy the consistency, quality and taste of produce such as vine-ripened tomatoes grown in controlled environments,” said John Schulz, director of business operations at the SQF Institute, which administers the food safety certification program.
Cesar Campaña, chairman of AMHPAC’s board, said obtaining SQF certification for its members is in step with its plan “to ensure the integrity of our products anywhere they are delivered worldwide. Many retailers have committed to do this. Now is our time to do the same.”
AMHPA members will be SQF-certified within two years, said Campaña, noting that certification will cover safe growing practices, packaging and distribution.
The commitment is part of a new food safety and quality initiative by the Asociación Mexicana de Horticultura Protegida (AMHPAC), whose members produce 900,000 tons of bell and hot peppers, cucumbers, eggplants, tomatoes and specialty items per year -- most of which is exported to Canada, Europe, Japan and the United States.
“AMHPAC’s strong commitment to food safety will benefit the millions of American consumers who increasingly enjoy the consistency, quality and taste of produce such as vine-ripened tomatoes grown in controlled environments,” said John Schulz, director of business operations at the SQF Institute, which administers the food safety certification program.
Cesar Campaña, chairman of AMHPAC’s board, said obtaining SQF certification for its members is in step with its plan “to ensure the integrity of our products anywhere they are delivered worldwide. Many retailers have committed to do this. Now is our time to do the same.”
AMHPA members will be SQF-certified within two years, said Campaña, noting that certification will cover safe growing practices, packaging and distribution.