Food safety
Our Non-Negotiable Extra Mile
At Tanimura & Antle, food safety is not optional - it’s fundamental to everything we do. We are committed to going the extra mile to deliver fresh, high-quality produce that is safe, reliable, and trusted by our customers and consumers. Through industry-leading food safety practices and continuous improvement, we set the standard for produce safety in agriculture.
Our comprehensive food safety program is built to meet and exceed all state and federal regulatory requirements. It includes clearly defined protocols for standard operating procedures, employee responsibilities, traceability, recall readiness, customer response, and food defense - ensuring accountability and consistency at every step.
Our Practices
We follow all Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), helping minimize risk and prevent contamination throughout the growing and harvesting process.
In addition, we adhere to the California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement (LGMA) food safety standards, which enhance federal guidelines with strict, commodity-specific requirements for the production and harvesting of leafy greens.
Sanitation
Harvest equipment is cleaned and sanitized daily - either onsite in the field using mobile sanitation units or within designated facilities - to maintain strict hygiene standards.
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
Farms are evaluated prior to each growing season to ensure they are appropriately located and protected from potential contamination risks.
Integrated Pest Management
We utilize sustainable farming practices, including crop rotation and beneficial plants, to manage pests naturally and minimize the use of chemical inputs whenever possible.
Irrigation Water Quality
We conduct regular water testing to ensure irrigation sources meet or exceed established food safety and quality benchmarks.
Employee Hygiene
Our teams receive ongoing food safety training throughout the year, reinforcing proper hygiene practices such as handwashing, glove use, and sanitation protocols.
Traceability
Our advanced traceability program allows every product to be tracked back to the field, harvest crew, cooling process, and transportation - ensuring transparency and rapid response when needed.
Audits, Testing & Continuous Improvement
Our food safety processes are regularly verified through rigorous audits and testing programs conducted by both government agencies and independent third parties. These include:
- Routine inspections by county agricultural officials
- Unannounced audits by USDA and FDA representatives
- Global G.A.P. certification audits
- Microbiological testing of water, soil, raw product, and compost
Our nationally recognized food safety team actively participates in leading industry and regulatory organizations, including the Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement (LGMA), Western Growers Association, FDA, and the Center for Produce Safety. This involvement ensures we stay at the forefront of evolving food safety standards, regulatory compliance, and best practices in produce safety.
Learn More About Our Sustainability
Food safety and sustainability go hand in hand. Discover how our commitment to responsible growing practices supports both safe, high-quality produce and a healthier future.