Commitment to Food SafetyDatepac, LLC facilities operate under USDA, FDA, Arizona State regulations and a Quality System Program based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) guidelines. All aspects of the packing process are monitored and audited by outside agencies. Procedures are in place to ensure safety at every step of the process, affecting every aspect of the operation which describes our commitment to
The quality of our fruit is maintained not only through our strict processes but also through our policies and procedures which encompass guidelines that must be followed by every single person who comes into contact with our fresh product. Our packaging operation is audited and certified by an independent third party. The audit assesses all aspects of Food Safety, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Cleaning & Sanitation Processes, Maintenance, Employee Training, Pest Control Programs, Product Traceability and Recall, etc. This certification assures buyers and consumers that the product packed in our facilities has been handled in a food-safe manner and verified by independent certification bodies to prove conformity to internal standards, laws and regulatory requirements.
Datepac is committed in maintaining the Organic integrity of our products.
Once the organic product is received, it is separated and labeled using a color code to ensure their integrity through all stages of the process.
Controlling Allergens, Chemicals and Foreign MaterialsAllergen Control Program
The program includes processes for assessing and segregating allergens to avoid cross-contamination. Once the allergens are identified, they are labeled and stored in separate and specific areas of the freezer. Products containing allergens are run at the end of the shift. After an allergen has been used in the processing areas, the processing equipment is fully cleaned and sanitized, rapid allergen tests are conducted to assure no allergen residue remains and to eliminate any potential for cross-contamination.
Chemical Control Program
The chemicals used at Datepac are approved by CCOF and includes a series of rules dictating which chemicals can be used, by whom and at which times. All chemicals are segregated in a locked storage room and no pest control chemicals are stored within the facility. Datepac outsources Pest Control services (Non-pesticide) for East and West Locations
Metal Detector
Datepac runs a metal detector program that requires every product to run through one of its metal detectors before shipping. The machines are monitored each thirty minutes by a quality assurance inspector. They also are checked when product lines are changed over and at the star and the end of the shift.
Food safety is central to all of our systems. Our IT systems and comprehensive quality programs provide specific tracking data that include detailed plans outlining procedures in the event of a recall. Those plans also include guidelines for communications with regulatory agencies, customers, and the public, and within our own company as well. We routinely test those plans through mock trace-back exercises.
Quality Assurance In Our FieldsThe Bard Valley Medjool Date Growers Association is deeply committed to creating and maintaining the highest growing, handling, storing, and packaging standards and practices in the industry. Our efforts are led by our highly qualified and experienced Compliance and Standards Director and Manager.
To create and maintain a safe work environment that motivates all business partners to produce high-quality-safe products that meet the high demands of the industry.
All of our growers implements a rigorous food safety program on their farms, which includes compliance with the established Good Agricultural Practice guidelines from the USDA.
For more information on specific certificates, please contact customerservice@datepac.com.