Ocean Spray Achieves SQF Certification for Sweetened Dried Cranberry Product

The company’s four manufacturing sites, located in Markham, WA, Tomah, WI, Wisconsin Rapids, WI and Middleboro, MA were awarded SQF 2000 Code Level III certification by NSF International in recognition of their “comprehensive food safety and quality management systems.”

3/3/2011 --- Ocean Spray has achieved the highest attainable SQF (Safe Quality Food) certification for food manufacturing and distribution, the only sweetened dried cranberry manufacturer to be awarded this distinction. The company’s four manufacturing sites, located in Markham, WA, Tomah, WI, Wisconsin Rapids, WI and Middleboro, MA were awarded SQF 2000 Code Level III certification by NSF International in recognition of their “comprehensive food safety and quality management systems.”

To achieve this globally renowned certification, suppliers must complete and document a food quality assessment of their product and its associated processes. They must also identify the controls needed to ensure consistent food safety and quality levels, meet buyer product specifications and satisfy domestic and international regulatory requirements.

Mike Stamatakos, Vice President Agricultural Supply and Development, Ocean Spray comments: ‘As supply chains become increasingly complex, investing in food safety and quality assurance is crucial. Manufacturers expect suppliers to demonstrate evidence of strict food safety and quality management systems. Ocean Spray’s sweetened dried cranberries have always been produced, processed, prepared and handled according to the highest possible standards. Ocean Spray is the only sweetened dried cranberry manufacturer to have achieved this level of SQF certification, providing our customers with assurance of our stringent quality controls.”

Ocean Spray’s sweetened dried cranberries (SDCs) bring attractive colour, great taste and a healthy profile to products such as cereals, trail mix and baked goods. Highly process tolerant and easy to incorporate into the production process, SDCs offer new innovation opportunities in a variety of product categories. Produced from superior grade cranberries, the ingredient lends fruit appeal while delivering the health benefits associated with the cranberry.

Ocean Spray’s dried cranberries are sold at retail to consumers under Ocean Spray’s Craisins brand.

The SQF (Safe Quality Food) Program is a globally recognized food safety and quality certification programme and management system, designed to meet the needs of buyers and suppliers worldwide. The program provides independent certification that a supplier’s food safety and quality management system complies with international and domestic food safety regulations.