We wanted to take a moment to applaud our Food Safety Team, and all their hard work that led up to achieving our latest score of a BRC AA+ Rating! In light of this recent milestone, we took some time to interview Sarah Warner, Manager of our Food Safety Personnel here at Dutchland Foods.

Can you provide an overview of Dutchland Foods’ approach to food safety and quality assurance?

All day, every day! We approach with a team effort and a mindset that every employee shares food safety responsibility.

Can you give an example of a specific measure we take to ensure the safety and integrity of its food products?

Allergen control. Products must contain only the allergens listed in the product, so we take careful measures at every step of our process to ensure that this is the case.

How do we stay up-to-date with industry standards and regulations related to food safety?

The FS team has enrolled in many industry email lists that keep us updated with regulations, including FDA & USDA emails. We also learn through webinars, customers, and auditors. The BRC guidelines themselves help us to stay up to date with regulations and standards.

What role does the BRC Global Standards play in Dutchland Foods’ Day to day operations? 

The BRCGS provides guidelines for our food safety systems, setting a standard for everything from maintenance controls to sanitation programs to manufacturing & quality processes. The standards also align with FDA regulations.

Can you explain the process Dutchland Foods went through to achieve the BRC AA+ Food Safety rating?

Every day we work to comply with the standards to maintain the safest & highest quality of product possible. Preparation is key!

The “+” in the rating is because the audit was unannounced. We knew the auditor was coming sometime in a four-month window, but we didn’t know when! The audit was 2.5 days long and included a physical plant inspection and procedure/paperwork review.

What are some of the key criteria or requirements we have had to meet to attain the BRC AA+ rating?

Supplier management, HACCP, sanitation, allergen control, GMPs for employees (Good Manufacturing Practices), maintenance programs, temperature controls, metal detection, pest control, chemical control, employee training, product weight controls, process controls, food safety culture, to name a few – every step of the food process is affected by food safety!

How does achieving the BRC AA+ rating benefit Dutchland Foods and its customers?

It provides assurance that our food is high quality and safe and that we are a supplier that can be trusted.

Can you highlight any specific initiatives or investments we made to enhance its food safety practices?

We have recently purchased new state-of-the art equipment, including a new mixer, line, attachments, and spiral proofer and freezer, that all enhance the safety of the product that we produce.

What sets Dutchland Foods apart from other food manufacturers in terms of food safety and quality?

We have highly motivated employees with strong work ethics that keep things moving! Management is also willing to invest in the company to uphold our food safety and quality standards.

How do we prioritize continuous improvement in its food safety practices?

Every quarter a trained group of employees audits one section of the BRC standards to identify potential areas for improvement. We approach with a team effort.

Can you tell us a little about the Food Safety Team, and what this accomplishment means to you? 

The Food Safety Team consists of five dedicated employees. We work hard but also have fun. It is very satisfying that all our hard work has paid off, but we know food safety takes continual effort!