Food Safety Program

Mr. Fruit, Inc., is committed to providing fresh citrus fruit of superior quality and safety to our customers. As such, we are in the process of implementing a food safety program that covers all aspects of our operation. Although there is currently no regulatory requirement for a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) program for fresh citrus fruit, we are developing and implementing a program for our packinghouse facility to comply with the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Good Agricultural Practice Guidelines (GAP).

These Guidelines, which include recommendations on water quality, worker health and hygiene, grove practices, sanitation and transportation are outlined in FDA's Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Standards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables. A copy of this document is available from the FDA or Government Printing Office. Compliance with these Guidelines is strictly voluntary; however; Mr. Fruit, Inc. believes that the compliance with  the GAP Guidelines is a proactive approach to managing any food safety risks associated with fresh citrus fruit.

We are taking further steps to assure the quality and safety of your citrus gifts and to provide for the safety and welfare of our employees: our mail clerks are receiving special training from the Police Department; our packing offices have been made more secure; hiring practices and employee supervision are receiving greater scrutiny and supervisors are being made aware of the need for increased sensitivity in the workplace. we wanted you to know that we are not waiting for regulatory agencies to demand action - we are taking it ourselves!

The practice of allowing the insertion of personal cards and notes must be discontinued, due to the very real threat of biological terrorism or even the more real threat of a stupid practical joke., it is necessary that we take these steps. The greeting space as provided on the label generated by Mr. Fruit, Inc. will have to suffice. Inserts and cards which are produced by Mr. Fruit, Inc., and inserted at our packing house will continue to be available.  We apologize in advance for the inconvenience, but certainly all can understand and appreciate the wisdom in using caution.

• Our packing facility is licensed and bonded by the Florida Department of Citrus. As a licensed and bonded shipper, our fruit is subject to inspection by the Florida Department of Agriculture.

• We are developing a program for our packing facility to comply with the Federal food and Drug Administration Good Agriculture Practice Guidelines. These guidelines include recommendations on water quality, worker health and hygiene, grove maintenance, sanitation and transportation.

• We have made our facility more secure with the erection of a chain link and barbed wire fencing across previously open access. Ingress and egress can now be more closely monitored.

• Personnel policies have been reviewed and tightened. All applicants are screened and identification is closely checked. All employees, including the owners are required to wear employee identification badges with pictures. Guests and their visitors will also be expected to sign in and wear identification badges while in the facility.

• All vehicles transporting gifts will be cleaned and sanitized with chlorine before loading. After closely supervised packing, all gift packs receive a tamper-resistant seal. Trailers will be sealed when loaded. Before trucks actually leave the facility, delivery reservations are made with postal facilities (DSAS) so that the postal service is aware of packages in route and when to expect arrival. Progress of the load is tracked by Mr. Fruit, Inc. and postal authorities. Incidentally, postal employees are aware of CAP and these plans should assist them in delivering your gift as quickly and efficiently as possible.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this announcement, please send an email or call 1-800-334-8919. Thank you in advance for the opportunity to earn your business.

Warmest regards,

Tom & Sylvia Moch