Food manufacturing and distribution are highly regulated functions, and rightly so. Food contamination during the supply chain journey can have severe consequences for consumers. The cost of which can cripple profitability and shareholder confidence.
These same companies rely heavily on 3PL providers to maintain safe handling and shipping practices while products are in their care. For the past 100 years, the American Institute of Baking (AIB) has helped manufacturers and distributors improve their food safety and quality management practices. They set the standard on sanitation, storage practices, and pest control. Some of the benefits from meeting AIB standards includes:
1. Identifies root causes, not just symptoms
2. Educates through interaction with an inspector
3. Identifies, reduces, eliminates and prevents food hazards in a facility
4. Prevents expensive and damaging recalls
5. Complies with government regulations
6. Maintains a healthy, sanitary environment for food handling
7. Produces safe food products
Each year Smart Warehousing’s Food Grade facilities are audited by AIB to ensure we are meeting the standard for our food and beverage customers. We scored in 5 categories – Operational Methods and Personnel Practices, Maintenance for Food Safety, Cleaning Practices, Integrated Pest Management, and Adequacy of Prerequisite and Food Safety Programs.
Logistics companies can score up to 200 points per category for a maximum possible score of 1000. This year, all Smart Warehousing facilities that have gone through AIB inspections have received a 900/1000 or better score. At our headquarters in Edgerton, Kansas we scored a 935/1000. The inspector noted that most 3PL facilities score in the 800s, yet we have scored in the 900s almost every year which lands us in the superior category!
We encourage shippers to ask their current or potential 3PL partners for the results of recent AIB inspections to ensure your food products are in the best possible hands. Reach out to our team today at info@smartwarehousing.com for more information and take control of your supply chain with a logistics partner you can trust.