We Received a 100% Food Safety Audit Score
Exciting news! We just received the results of our yearly food safety audit, and we passed with flying colors!
We believe in complete transparency regarding the safety of our products, and we have a vigorous food safety and security policy that is audited annually by Primus Labs. Primus is a Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) recognized audit Certification Program. They have certification in 22 countries and are endorsed by more than 7,326 organizations.
We want to give a shoutout to our team, particularly our Food Safety Manager, Brian Burghardt, who leads our food safety initiatives and ensures that food safety is a top priority in our operations.
Q&A with Cavalier Produce Food Safety Manager Brian Burghardt
Q: What does the Primus Labs team look for during the annual audit, and what goes into the audit score?
A: Primus Labs examines our entire operation as a whole--from receipt of product to delivery to our local partners—focusing on our receiving, storage, repacking, and shipping processes.
Q: Can you tell us more about Cavalier Produce’s approach to food safety?
A: Cavalier Produce takes a proactive approach by determining what hazards may arise and how we can control them before they become an issue.
Q: How do you vet the growers who supply your produce?
A: We only purchase from growers who have a validated food safety program in place. Growers and suppliers must go through an approval process, including a 90-day trial period to ensure all food safety requirements are being met.
Q: How do you maintain the cold chain during storage and transportation?
A: Cavalier Produce only sources products from approved suppliers, ensuring products are handled and stored correctly before they enter our warehouse. Our receiving team checks that all trucks are cooled to proper temperatures before any items are unloaded. Once unloaded onto our temperature-controlled loading dock, the items are stored in one of the nine different temperature/humidity controlled zones in our warehouse, ensuring optimal freshness. Even our delivery trucks are temperature-controlled. This process ensures products stay at the proper temperature throughout the entire shipment process.
Q: What is special about your warehouse space compared to other produce suppliers?
A: Our warehouse has nine unique temperature and humidity-controlled zones, including a cooled loading and receiving dock. Temperatures are remotely monitored with alerts being issued for any discrepancies in temperature or humidity.
Q: Have you implemented any new technologies or tools recently to improve food safety?
A: We began performing environmental monitoring in 2024 throughout our entire warehouse. We take samples for signs of foodborne pathogens. We also recently implemented a Warehouse Management System, which has improved order accuracy and product traceback.
Q: How do you stay up to date on the latest food safety regulations and standards?
A: I visit the FDA’s website frequently, www.fda.gov. I’m also signed up for their alerts, which I recommend for anyone involved in food safety. They will email you about any product recalls as soon as they are issued so you can easily stay up-to-date with new alerts.
Q: Anything else you’d like for customers to know?
A: Cavalier takes pride in our facility and our food safety program! If you would like to schedule a warehouse tour, please contact myself or our Sales Manager, Spencer Morris, to check availability.
