FMI food safety arm launches ethical sourcing program

ARLINGTON, Va. The Safe Quality Food Institute, a division of the Food Marketing Institute, announced that it has added an ethical sourcing standard for labor and environmental practices to its supplier auditing programs.

“The ethical sourcing standard will help advance fair labor practices and environmental stewardship on a global scale using the reach of the SQF program. This standard will give the food industry and consumers an extra measure of assurance that these practices are conducted according to the best available guidance and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations,” said Jill Hollingsworth, FMI group VP food safety programs.

The standard addresses such environmental concerns as energy use, air emissions and waste management, while the labor component focuses on such issues as wage compliance, worker benefits and occupational health and safety.

The SQF Institute said it is now pilot-testing use of the standard and training auditors how to check companies for compliance.