Food supply safety top concern for Wal-Mart

BENTONVILLE, Ark. Wal-Mart Stores reported today that will require its food suppliers to have their factories certified against one of Global Food Safety Initiative standards. According to Wal-Mart, it is the first nationwide U.S. grocery chain to require this certification.

Under the GFSI program, producers of Wal-Mart and Sam's Club private label and other foods sold in the U.S. must be audited by independently trained, approved and licensed auditors who are experts in their industry.

"The requirement for suppliers to complete these certifications demonstrates our leadership in food safety and our commitment to global safety standards," said J.P. Suarez, Wal-Mart's senior vp and chief compliance officer, and a board member of the Global Food Safety Initiative. "Food safety has always been a top priority at Wal-Mart. We are taking this additional step to ensure the integrity of our products throughout the entire food supply chain. We encourage other U.S. retailers to follow our lead and to also endorse these standards."

Wal-Mart said that it has told suppliers they must complete intitial certification between July and December of this year, with full certification required by July 2009. Audits will be completed by approved third party auditing companies.

Wal-Mart private label food brands in the U.S. are Great Value and Sam's Choice. Sam's Club private label food brands in the U.S. include Member's Mark and Bakers & Chefs.

Wal-Mart reported that it is also requiring its suppliers for its ASDA stores in the United Kingdom and Seiyu stores in Japan to comply with GFSI standards.

Internationally, Wal-Mart stores in the United Kingdom (ASDA) and Japan (Seiyu) also require suppliers of food products to comply with GFSI standards.