Food Safety
At Washington Fruit Growers, food safety is built into every step of our operation – from our orchard blocks to our fruit packing lines. We follow rigorous protocols to ensure that every piece of fruit we deliver is clean, traceable, and safe to eat. Our SQF (Safe Quality Food) certification reflects our dedication to global best practices in food safety and quality management.
A Globally Recognized Food Safety Program
The Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification is a comprehensive, science-based food safety management system recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). We undergo annual third-party audits to validate our processes and demonstrate full compliance with food safety and quality standards from field to facility.
Safe Quality Foods in the Orchards
In the orchard, SQF certification extends to Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) such as:
- Water source testing and irrigation management
- Responsible use and documentation of crop inputs
- Integrated pest management
- Wildlife contamination control
- Field crew safety policies
- Worker hygiene
- Sanitary harvesting practices
Safe Quality Foods in the Packing Facilities
In our packing facilities, SQF standards govern every detail of the post-harvest process, including:
- HACCP-based food safety plans to manage risk at every step
- Sanitation protocols for equipment, surfaces, and packaging areas
- Environmental monitoring to maintain hygienic conditions
- Personnel hygiene and safety training
- Traceability systems that link each carton back to the orchard and harvest date
- Allergen and chemical control, even in low-risk environments like produce packing
Why Our Apples Shine (Literally!)
Apples naturally produce a wax coating to retain moisture. However, when apples are washed during packing, this natural wax is often removed. To protect freshness and reduce moisture loss, we apply a thin layer of food-grade wax approved by the U.S. FDA and international food safety authorities.
Here’s what you should know:
- The wax is completely safe to eat
- It helps keep apples crisp and shelf-stable during storage and shipping
- The amount used is minimal and regulated
- Conventional Golden Delicious and all organic varieties are not waxed
Why do we wax?
Because apples lose their natural coating during the cleaning process — and this gentle, food-safe wax helps bring back nature’s own protection.
Our Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Food safety isn’t a one-time achievement — it’s a process of ongoing improvement. Through frequent internal audits, employee training, and annual third-party reviews, we continuously refine our food safety systems to stay ahead of evolving industry standards.
You Can Trust Our Fruit
By working with Washington Fruit Growers, you receive fruit that is:
- SQF-certified for safety and quality
- Packed and shipped with care, under controlled conditions
- Backed by robust traceability, sanitation, and handling systems
- Waxed only with FDA-approved, food-grade materials to maintain freshness
