Markon Cooperative's Tim York Continues His Call To Action In Food Safety

SALINAS, Calif. – Ensuring a safe food supply continues to be a top priority for Markon Cooperative and its seven independent foodservice distributor members — a charge that will be furthered with Markon President Tim York’s appointment to two industry-leading food safety organizations. 

York was elected chairman of the Center for Produce Safety (CPS) Board of Directors and chosen as co-chair of The Produce Traceability Initiative (PTI). York and Markon – and its members, which include Ben E. Keith Foods, Gordon Food Service, Gordon Food Service Canada, Maines Paper & Food Service, Nicholas & Company, Reinhart Foodservice, and Shamrock Foods Company – have a long history with CPS. 

York was integral in the founding of CPS in 2007 and served as the organization’s first chairman, making this his second appointment as chairman of the board of directors; he has served as a member of the board since 2007. CPS also better informs Markon’s 5-Star Food Safety® Program, which ensures member companies and customers receive the safest fresh fruits and vegetables possible. 

“Food safety is a cornerstone of the Markon Brand Promise. Customers trust us to be stewards of the product all the way through the supply chain,” explains Markon Chairman of the Board and Nicholas & Company President Peter Mouskondis, who said Markon previously pledged $200,000 to CPS to fund industry-specific research. “We are thrilled that Tim, Markon, and all of our members are continuing to lead the industry in that focus.”

This is York’s first appointment with PTI, sponsored by the Canadian Produce Marketing Association, GS1 US, the Produce Marketing Association and United Fresh Produce Association. The initiative’s focus is on maximizing the effectiveness of current traceback procedures, as well as standardizing and enhancing the speed and efficacy of traceability systems within the industry. In his role of co-chair, York will further the PTI’s vision of employing an electronic traceability system for every produce case in the supply chain.

York says it’s a charge he welcomes. “As an industry, we need to take responsibility for the safety of products. This means supporting research, increasing transparency in our food supply, educating our teams, and following best practices without compromise.”

About Markon

From its headquarters in Salinas, California, Markon Cooperative, Inc. provides fresh produce purchasing, logistics, information, and marketing services exclusively to its seven member distributors (Ben E. Keith Foods, Gordon Food Service, Gordon Food Service Canada, Maines Paper & Food Service, Nicholas & Company, Reinhart Food Service, and Shamrock Foods Company) and their foodservice customers. A leader in food safety, quality control, and innovation, Markon is also mindful of the produce industry's impact on people – from field workers to consumers. Read more about Markon at Markon.com.

About CPS

Center for Produce Safety (CPS) is focused exclusively on providing the produce industry and government with open access to the actionable information needed to continually enhance the safety of produce. Established by public and private partnership at the University of California, Davis, initial funding for CPS was provided by the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the University of California, Produce Marketing Association, and Taylor Farms. Learn more about CPS at www.cps.ucdavis.edu.

About PTI

The Produce Traceability Initiative (PTI), sponsored by the Canadian Produce Marketing Association, GS1 US, Produce Marketing Association, and United Fresh Produce Association, was created to aid the industry in maximizing the effectiveness of current traceback procedures, while developing a standardization within the industry to further the speed and efficiency of traceability systems for a safer food future. Learn more at http://www.producetraceability.org/.

Source: Markon Cooperative, Inc.