Collins Brothers Produce operates under the authority of the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) as well as the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). As a vital link in America’s food supply chain, they are bound by some of the most stringent food safety regulations in the world. Third party audits and in-house inspections help to keep them in compliance and satisfy their customer’s expectations.

Beginning with supplier selection; Collins Brothers Produce is committed to using many nationally recognized farms, co-ops, and corporations. They seek vendors with solid reputations and standards that meet or exceed the federal Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) regulations. These days it takes more than a firm handshake and a promise to deliver goods on time to be selected as one of their preferred suppliers.

Each incoming load is inspected and given a unique lot number upon arrival. This helps to ensure traceability both back to the vendor and forward to the customer if a product recall ever becomes necessary. After the initial inspection, the produce is unloaded and stored in one of several temperature-controlled zones or coolers that are designed to keep the product fresh. While under their roof, Collins’ management and staff strive to see that the food is protected and kept safe from harm all the way through to your door. Even after the sale, they can provide valuable information to help the customer maintain food integrity and safety.

Collins Brothers has developed a set of policies and procedures designed to control Physical, Chemical, and Biological hazards. These programs include sanitation, pest control, temperature control, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) that are all fundamental to providing safe food.

The company has implemented a HACCP program which includes having a 3rd party Food Safety manager on site to provide guidance regarding food safety protocol and to monitor on-going food safety threats, product recalls, and current food-borne illnesses and outbreaks. A USDA inspector is available to grade and inspect produce to ensure it meets the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) quality. Collins Brothers Produce can offer ServSafe® certified training with classes held either on site or in some circumstances at the customer’s location.

All in all, Collins Brothers has found just the right combination of old-fashioned service coupled with new technology and today’s principles of food safety to deliver more than just fresh, wholesome produce.