Premium Waters Receives SQF 2000 Level III Certification
Voluntary Certification from NSF Exceeds Food Safety Standards
ANN ARBOR, MI— NSF International today announced that Premium Waters, Inc. (PWI), a leader in the bottled water industry is among the first bottled water companies to receive Safe Quality Food (SQF) Code 2000 Certification. SQF certification highlights PWI’s commitment to produce safe, quality products.
The following PWI plants have received SQF certification: Kansas City, KS; Fort Worth, TX; Chippewa Falls, WI; Quincy, IL; Greeneville, TN; and Douglas, GA. In order to receive SQF certification, each of these plants were audited by NSF to reassure customers that the product has been produced, processed, prepared and handled according to internationally-recognized standards.
PWI just completed SQF Level II Certification, which includes HAACP Food Safety Plans. PWI is also on plan to complete SQF Level III Certification, which includes Comprehensive Food Safety and Quality Management Development, by the end of this year.
“SQF Certification is consistent with our organization’s commitment to produce quality products and assure customer and consumer confidence,” as stated by Mark Reynolds, PWI Director of Quality Assurance and Greg Nemec, PWI President.
PWI views SQF as the most comprehensive food safety and quality certification program available for the marketplace. The application of HACCP principles to quality practices separates SQF from prior audit schemes. PWI views SQF as a superior program that establishes a new standard of excellence. Marketplace acceptance of SQF will validate commitment to quality and eliminate redundant costs throughout the supply chain.
SQF certification ensures that suppliers use science-based methods to minimize food safety risks, assure product quality and comply with the SQF Code. The SQF Code provides guidance for companies seeking to enter the global food market, addressing their needs and the needs of their clients. The SQF 2000 Code applies to food manufacturing and distribution sectors. It outlines requirements for suppliers of raw materials, ingredients, food products and processed or prepared foods, beverages or services.
“By achieving SQF certification, Premium Waters, Inc. is setting the example for others to follow,” said Jim Bail of NSF International, a public health organization accredited by the American National Standards Institute to provide Safe Quality Food 1000 (producers and farmers) and 2000 (food manufacturing and distribution sectors) certifications. “I congratulate them on achieving this major milestone in the bottled water industry.”
Background on SQF Certification
The SQF Program is administered by the SQF Institute (SQFI), a division of the Food Marketing Institute (FMI), and is the culmination of more than 15 years of development. To date, more than 10,000 certificates have been issued to companies operating in Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle East and North and South America. The SQF Certification program is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI)*, part of a landmark agreement among global food retailers and food manufacturers on mutual acceptance of international food safety and quality systems.
For more information on SQF certification, please visit www.nsf.com/business/sqf or contact David Kirkpatrick at 734-827-5654 or dkirkpatrick@nsf.org.
About NSF International: NSF International, an independent organization, helps protect you by certifying products and writing standards for food, water and consumer goods (www.nsf.org). Founded in 1944, NSF is committed to protecting public health and safety worldwide. NSF is a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Food and Water Safety and Indoor Environment. Additional services include safety audits for the food and water industries, management systems registrations delivered through NSF International Strategic Registrations, organic certification provided by Quality Assurance International and education through the NSF Center for Public Health Education.
About Premium Waters, Inc.: Premium Waters, Inc. (PWI), solely owned by the Chesterman Company who has been in the bottling business for over 130 years, is one of the largest producers of private label bottled water in the USA. PWI bottles water for commercial, residential and retail clients in multiple sizes ranging from single serve sizes to five gallon bottles. PWI also bottles a number of branded items including Chippewa Springs, Kandiyohi, Natures Crystal and Glacier Clear.
* The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) is coordinated by CIES - The Food Business Forum, launched May 2000.