Our commitment to food safety

At Hitchcock Farms, our employees are our first line of defense when it comes to food safety. All of our employees are trained in our food safety policies and procedures and are proactive in their enforcement. Hitchcock Farms has been a signatory of the Leafy Greens Handlers Marketing Agreement (LGMA), since its inception in 2007.

IN-HOUSE PROGRAMS

In 2006, we launched a comprehensive in-house food safety program, led by our food safety director, who holds an advanced degree in food science and technology. Every aspect of our program adheres to manuals covering Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good Harvesting Practices (GHP), and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Our program includes extensive personnel training and monitoring to ensure compliance with those practices as well as standards for managing water resources and pre/post harvest sanitizers. Hitchcock Farms strives to exceed current food safety standards, and stays on top of emerging science and technology to ensure our program is always on the cutting edge of food safety.

TEAM TRAINING

Our employees receive monthly ongoing training in food safety, product handling and hygiene. This training is supported by ongoing assessments and supervision to ensure practices are consistently applied. With continuing education for supervisors and foreman we are able to verify our trainings are up to date with current industry standards.

WATER TESTING

We conduct regular risk assessments of all water sources. All monthly water testing is done per (LGMA) Leafy Greens Handlers Marketing Agreement metrics and standards. Any open water source used for overhead irrigation of leafy greens adheres to the strict LGMA metrics implemented in 2019.

THIRD PARTY AUDITS

We regularly perform voluntary self audits as well as third party audits, which certify our operations. In addition we do surprise mock recalls, to ensure our traceback systems are in place should the need arise to quickly trace back an issue with our product.

These annual third party audits include: