Pushback On Food Safety
Pushback On Food Safety. I’m Greg Martin with today’s Fruit Grower Report.
Hank Giclas is the Vice President, Strategic Planning, Science & Technology for the Western Growers Association which has been instrumental in driving food safety practices in
GICLAS: To me, what pushback is, is resistance to specific or discreet food safety systems, or audits or guidance either in their entirety or in part.
In his capacity at Western Growers, Giclas says he is in a unique position to observe.
GICLAS: Levels and areas of resistance and receptivity that different parties in the fresh produce sector have. Sometimes I see these as legitimate concerns that have to be discussed and addressed in the context of developing strong food safety programs. Sometimes their fears or resistances that are based on misconceptions or unclear understandings of different programs, but they all need to be addressed.
He says that can be appropriate up-front consideration or education and extension about programs. Giclas says it all ties in to where the industry is headed.
GICLAS: We continue to deal with markets, legislative change, regulatory change; the industry is in flux; it’s important to be resilient.
That’s today’s Fruit Grower Report. I’m Greg Martin on the Northwest Ag Information Network.
