Caravan Ingredients performs well on food safety audits

January 5, 2012, Lenexa, KS – Caravan Ingredients’ facilities have met “superior” standards established by globally recognized food safety programs.

Caravan Ingredients scored seven superior ratings from the American Institute of Baking (AIB) International. Two facilities also obtained British Retail Consortium (BRC) certification. Both the AIB and the BRC are recognized around the world for their food safety and quality certification programs.

During seven recent audits conducted at manufacturing and distribution facilities located in Illinois, Kansas, Missouri and New Jersey, Caravan Ingredients received a Recognition of High Achievement – Superior. Only the top 25 per cent of all scores are awarded this title – the highest that can be attained. Scoring high on this audit shows that a supplier complies with food safety regulations and is committed to providing safe, high quality food products to consumers.

"The results demonstrate Caravan Ingredients' effort to embed a quality culture throughout the organization.  Participation and leadership in this journey is evident at every level," said Jeff Ottarson, director of quality at Caravan Ingredients. "Complementary programs will be launched in 2012 to further drive excellence in all we do and to ensure that our customers understand our commitment to implementing the highest industry quality standards."

Additionally, Caravan Ingredients has committed to obtaining British BRC Global Standard certification as part of its quality initiative. The BRC Global Standard for food safety was the first standard to be recognized as meeting the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) benchmark. It focuses on standardization of quality, safety and operational criteria. In 2011, two locations in New Jersey obtained BRC certification. Three sites are scheduled to complete BRC certification early this year.