SQF Audits by Brandon Meiners
Another day, another audit of Crest Foods! Over the last two months we have completed multiple Safe Quality Food (SQF) re-certification audits of our various facilities and divisions. These audits measure our level of compliance against Global
Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) standards to ensure our operation is utilizing globally recognized food manufacturing processes to produce the safest product possible for the end consumer. Out of all the audits conducted within our facilities each year, these re-certification audits are the most crucial as our final rating is scrutinized by all customers and identifies where we stand as a company with our food safety management system. All three divisions performed exceptionally well and we were able to maintain the high ratings our customers are accustomed to seeing from Crest Foods year after year. It seems like food safety audits of our facilities are just as common as the mail being delivered anymore! Whether it’s a customer, regulatory agency, or even an internal employee, there is always someone in our facilities verifying that Crest Foods is adhering to established food safety protocols. This is somewhat of a recent phenomenon as we used to not only prepare for audits, but also only experience a handful each year. We take great pride in the fact that our facilities are always audit ready due to the complex food safety management system utilized throughout our company. Hats off to all of our hourly and management employees who make these audits easy by simply following our food safety protocols and having pride and ownership with their assigned responsibilities!
Congratulations to Jesse Morris on his recent certification as an EMT and his promotion to Lieutenant!
Jesse has served Crest since 2016 as a First Responder and part of our Emergency Response Team but he’s been with the Franklin Grove Fire Protection District (FGFDP) since 2011 when he signed on as a Cadet. The Cadet program is designed to give young men and women (usually those who are minors) the basic knowledge and preparation for a career in the fire service or as an Emergency Medical Technician. Jesse was a Cadet until he turned 18, then became a Firefighter. Until being certified as an EMT, Jesse was an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) but has since been promoted to Lieutenant. The FGFPD responds as needed. The farthest call that Jesse has been involved in was the Grand Bear Lodge Fire in Utica in May 2022. A total of 57 fire departments responded and assisted according to the Utica Fire Protection District Assistant Fire Chief. The course that Jesse recently completed was a total of 140 hours of class time – 4 hours, twice a week for 17 weeks! It was held at the Franklin Grove Fire Station and while Jesse was the only one from Franklin Grove, there were many other local communities represented. The instruction was presented by OSF Saint Anthony and there were multiple instructors involved. There was “book learning” – like medications, their names and dosage – and “hands on” or practical training – like CPR. Jesse said they covered 43 chapters which were divided into 7 sections and each section had an exam with 50 questions. The final exam of the course, held December 22, 2022, had 125 questions. After completing the course, Jesse had to sign up to take a national exam which consisted of 120 questions. Jesse took (and passed!) this exam in January of 2023. Jesse said the reason he invests so much time and effort into the service he provides Crest and his community is so he is able to help others when they are at their worst. We appreciate your service and support here at Crest and in the community Jesse! Thank you!
8 Crest Ink January, February & March 2023
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