Hormel Foods has a Food Safety Steering Committee that oversees the operation of three important food safety task forces.
Hormel Foods has robust food safety and sanitation systems based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points principles to ensure the safety of our products.
Food safety systems are overseen by company personnel, independent third parties, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
In 2018, we issued two product recalls – one for Herb-Ox® beef granulated bouillon due to an undeclared allergen (approximately 4,400 cases), and one for SPAM® classic and Hormel® Black Label® luncheon loaf due to a mechanical failure that resulted in equipment damage and a manufacturing issue (approximately 14,200 cases).
All employees receive food safety training appropriate for their responsibilities within the company. In addition, Hormel Foods has a Food Safety Steering Committee that oversees the operation of three important food safety task forces: Prevention and Detection, Assurance and Training.
The packaging of our products also plays an important role in ensuring food safety. Our packaging scientists determine the best packaging techniques for all of our products. A variety of packaging materials and options are used, including modified atmosphere packaging, vacuum packaging and packaging designed for low-acid, shelf-stable foods.
As we prepare products to be sold, they undergo multiple stages, checks and balances. Our packaging scientists do a thorough review of products, taking into account the entire manufacturing process, as well as customer and consumer usage.
For more information about our food safety and quality program, visit our corporate website.