FOOD SAFETY

Warehouse Food Safety Certifications

Produce GAPs Harmonized Audit – An all-industry effort including growers, shippers, produce buyers, government agencies, audit organizations and other stakeholders with the goal of “one audit by any credible third party, acceptable to all buyers.” www.unitedfresh.org/food-safety/gap-harmonization-initiative/

Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) & Good Handling Practices (GHP) – GAP and GHP are voluntary audits that verify that fruits and vegetables are produced, packed, handled and stored as safely as possible to reduce risks of food safety hazards. www.ams.usda.gov/services/auditing/gap-ghp

Grower Certifications

Orchard Management

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) – We strive to manage pests in a way that is beneficial to the consumer, grower and the environment. IPM helps us achieve these ideals.

Sustainability

Social Responsibility

  • Health Insurance offered to all employees
  • Free annual flu shot
  • Supports employee sports teams
  • Special celebrations and meals

Corporate Giving

Recycling

  • All cardboard and paper products
  • Plastics
  • Oils
  • Batteries
  • Used metals and equipment

Energy Conservation

  • Upgraded, efficient lighting
  • CO2 scrubbers
  • Regular testing, maintenance and repair for efficiency in equipment
  • Electronic monitoring and adjustment of temperature
  • Variable frequency drives installed on cooling systems

Packaging

  • Continual assessment with suppliers on new products
  • All packaging is recyclable
  • Using purple pulp trays which consist of less ink and fiber

FAQ

  • Do you grow organically?

    Yes, we do. We have a mixture of both conventional and organically grown orchards. It takes three years of organic farming for an orchard to be certified organic by the government.

  • Do you grow genetically modified (GMO) fruit?

    No we do not. New varieties of apples are created by cross-pollinating two or more varieties of trees to get the best qualities from each "parent" tree. This is the way it has been done for centuries.

  • Do you sell apples to the public?

    Yes, we do. We sell bags and boxes of "seconds" out of our Gleed, WA facility. Availability changes weekly.

  • How do I select good apples from my produce department?

    Select apples that are shiny, bruise-free and firm to the touch.

  • Why does the bag and/or box of apples I just bought say you use food grade vegetable and/or shellac based wax?

    Apples have a natural wax coating on them when grown to protect their high-water content. After harvest apples are washed and brushed to remove dirt and debris before being packed. This cleaning process removes the natural wax from the apple so we apply a food grade wax to protect the apple. These waxes come from natural sources, are certified safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and can be rubbed off or brushed briefly under cold running water to clean.

  • How should I store apples?

    Apples should be stored in a refrigerator to slow ripening and maintain flavor.

  • How do I keep sliced apples from browning?

    • There are many ways to keep sliced apples from browning too quickly. A few options below.
    • Soak them in a bowl of cold lemon water. Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice per 1 cup of water.
    • Soak them in a bowl of cold salt water. Not too much salt, or it affects the taste of the fruit. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt per 1 quart (4 cups) of water.
    • Soak them in a bowl of Sprite, 7-Up, or a similar lemon-lime, carbonated soda.
    • Soak them in a bowl with Fruit-Fresh (or citric acid powder) and cold water. Fruit Fresh is sold in stores with canning supplies. Use as directed.
    • Soak them in a bowl of honey water. Use 2 tablespoons of honey per 1 cup of water. This tip is from America's Test Kitchen; you can watch their video here.
Top