WORKPLACE CONDITIONS ASSESSMENT (WCA)
WCA addresses the following and more:
- Labor (Child/Forced Labor, Discrimination, Discipline, Harassment/Abuse, Freedom of Association, Labor Contracts)
- Wages and Hours (Wages and Benefits; Working Hours)
- Health and Safety (General Work Facility, Emergency Preparedness, Occupational Injury, Machine Safety, Safety Hazards, Chemical and Hazardous Material, Dormitory and Canteen)
- Management Systems (Documentation and Records, Worker Feedback and Participation, Audits and Corrective Action Process)
- Environment (Legal Compliance, Environmental Management Systems, Waste and Air Emissions)
THE EQUITABLE FOOD INITIATIVE (EFI)
The Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) brings together workers, growers and retailers in the effort to produce better fruits and vegetables. As produce farms comply with the EFI Standard—for improved working conditions, pesticide management, and food safety—the entire food system sees benefits, all the way from farm workers to consumers.
The EFI Standard
EFI Labor standards cover worker health and safety, freedom of association, fair wages, benefits and conditions of employment, freedom from discrimination and retaliation, dispute settlement, employer-provided housing, and protections for H2A Workers.
EFI Pesticide standards deal with the management of pests, soil, water and habitat. The initial emphasis is on using an Integrated Pest Management approach to minimize the use of hazardous pesticides. EFI requires full pesticide use reporting, including quantification of pesticide risks to workers and the environment.
EFI Food Safety standards address worker hygiene, water use, soil amendments, land use, animals, harvest, and post-harvest activities.
EFI has developed a training tool— the EFI Leadership Training Program—that helps companies meet or exceed EFI’s standards by training farm workers and growers to collaborate and improve production processes.
EFI’s system for assessment and certification will provide assurance that good-faith steps have been taken to implement our standards. Growers and retailers will benefit from a well-trained workforce that allows for real-time accountability, improves production processes, and ensures a safer food supply. Workers will find new opportunities as they broaden their skills. And consumers will know that throughout the supply chain, committed partners are working together to make their food as safe and healthy as possible.
SQF
We achieved the SQF Level III Certification on 02/04/2017.
To receive a current certificate, please contact us.
- SQF Level 1 – Focused on food safety fundamentals, this is the most basic level with the fewest requirements. It is most appropriate for low risk operations and does not include a HACCP approach. This level is not recognized by GFSI.
- SQF Level 2- This level includes food safety fundamentals and a HACCP approach to managing risks and hazards. This level is comparable to the ISO 22000, FSSC 22000 and BRC standards and registration schemes. This level is recognized by GFSI.
- SQF Level 3- The level 3 requirements include quality requirements in addition to the food safety requirements and is appropriate for the organization that wants to have an integrated system for food safety and food quality. This would be similar to having an ISO 22000 system integrated with an ISO 9001 system.