Mikell Knights

Built from a foundation of emerging collaboration tools and a unique, cross-functional, interdisciplinary approach, Blue Diamond Growers achieves its manufacturing goals with its new “dream” plant. 

A global food maker, a developer of certified audit programs and consultants discuss non-regulatory onsite plant audits and how they improve food safety, customer compliance and food quality.

 Sustainability is a consumer trend that is transforming the packaging industry. The top three concerns in relation to beverage packaging include recycling or landfilling, renewable resources and energy, said Erin Reynolds, marketing director at Evergreen Packaging, at last year’s Sustainable Packaging Forum in St. Petersburg, FL. 

 Chlorine- and ammonia-based disinfectants and sanitizers are typically used as interventions or rinses to eliminate dangerous bacteria, fungi, viruses and foodborne pathogens on food preparation and food processing areas. 

 Over the last 10 to 15 years, more low- and high-acid products have been processed in ways designed to kill bacteria and extend the life of foods and liquids. Retort-style thermal processing, chilling and refrigeration steps and the use of preservatives remain the most common routes to produce shelf-stable foods and beverages in the US. 

Confusion over who in the company owns the customer relationship is a major obstacle.