Chiquita represents… Commitment to Quality and Food Safety

Food safety is one of our highest priorities.  We track products by lot codes and, through our traceability systems, can identify the origin of our fruit.  Management also has a formal recall procedure and runs unannounced drills to test the readiness in case of a product recall.  We are audited frequently, and independent third-party auditors have certified these processes. 

The American Institute of Baking (AIB) for food safety practices audits on our operations annually.  The AIB evaluates the adequacy of food safety programs, management systems, pest control programs, operational methods and personnel practices, maintenance for food safety and cleaning practices.  Both of our plants received an excellent rating certification by AIB.

In 2004, SGS (Société Générale de Surveillance), a leading independent certification company, certified the HACCP system at our facilities in Costa Rica and Ecuador.  HACCP is a set of principles and tasks that help define the requirements of a safe food management system.

In 2005, we began participating in the audit program of the Food Products Association (FPA). This program involves a descriptive audit that reviews practices in the areas of quality-related management responsibility, HACCP, food safety systems, production controls, quality management systems and regulatory considerations. Third-party certified auditors deliver an unbiased assessment of quality systems and a clearer understanding of industry expectations. 

For our organic products, independent auditor BCS ÖKO Garantie certified that our plants were in compliance with European Community Regulation No. 2092/91 concerning the organic production of agricultural products.