ELIZABETH, NJ – October 5, 2017 – East Coast Warehouse & Distribution, a leading temperature-controlled logistics provider for the food and beverage industry, today announced it has once again completed a rigorous accreditation process to be recertified as a Safe Quality Food (SQF) 4PL from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This designation helps East Coast Warehouse maintain its position at the forefront of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) mandate, as less than 20 percent of all food-grade warehouses in the U.S. have this particular certification.
“SQF is the gold standard by which food is stored, handled and transported, and we are honored to have been recertified as an SQF provider,” said Jamie Overley, CEO of East Coast Warehouse. “SQF is critical to our industry, yet there remains a lack of awareness about its importance and what it stands for. In addition to abiding by the SQF guidelines, our goal is to raise awareness of the importance of this certification, and the need for training so the end customer doesn’t experience any disruptions in service and delivery.”
The process to obtain SQF certification is a rigorous one, and logistics providers must undergo a thorough administrative audit, in addition to a detailed on-site inspection. While federal regulations do not mandate compliance with SQF guidelines, it does indicate that logistics providers are adhering to the highest standards by which food is stored, handled and transported. The FDA finalized the rule in early 2016 in order to help prevent both intentional and unintentional contamination of the food supply chain from farm to fork. The rule requires those transporting food by motor or rail vehicle to meet the following guidelines for safe and sanitary transportation:
- Must be clean, dry and odor-free
- If the trailer is temperature-controlled, it must be operating properly at the correct temperature
- The trailer must be free of any structural defects in the roof, walls or floor boards
If a trailer fails to meet these standards, then the carrier must make alternative arrangements.
For more information on East Coast Warehouse and its services, please visit www.ecwd.staging.wpengine.com.
About East Coast Warehouse & Distribution
For more than 60 years, East Coast Warehouse & Distribution has served as a preeminent 4PL leader, offering integrated temperature-controlled logistics services to food and beverage importers. Its state-of-the-art, 38 million cubic square foot facility strategically located in an overweight zone on the Port of New York/New Jersey, expedited U.S. Customs and Border Protection Exam Services, transportation capabilities and value-added services offers clients a 4PL end-to-end solution that is sophisticated and seamless. For more information, please visit www.ecwd.staging.wpengine.com.