ROSEMONT, Ill. – Jorge Hernandez, senior vice president of food safety and quality assurance for US Foods, has joined the advisory board for the Center for Produce Safety (CPS). CPS is a collaborative partnership that leverages the combined expertise of the commercial, government, scientific and academic communities to research practices that enhance the safety of produce.
“Collaboration is crucial to the success of any industry,” said Hernandez. “As food industry professionals, we’re responsible for keeping the nation’s food supply safe. It’s critical to have a partnership that’s committed to filling the knowledge gap through research, outreach and education.”
Over the past four years, CPS has gone from a concept to funding 70 original research projects—representing an investment of nearly $10.5 million—addressing the most critical questions affecting produce safety. Hernandez brings in-depth food safety experience to the organization to help it play a greater role in shaping national research priorities and increasing collaboration across the produce supply chain.
“Jorge’s experience and expertise will be an important addition to the organization,” said Stephen Patricio, chairman of the CPS board. “His diverse experience and insight into the challenges facing the food industry will be a welcomed contribution to our institution.”
Hernandez, a registered sanitarian and past FDA standardization officer, has worked in both the public and private sectors. As senior vice president of food safety and quality assurance at US Foods, he is responsible for ensuring compliance with all food safety regulatory standards. His term on the CPS advisory board runs through May 2015.
Recently, US Foods announced that it expects to be the first national foodservice distributor in the country to be certified in food safety and quality to the International Featured Standard (IFS), a globally recognized standard for safety and quality.
About US Foods
With more than $20 billion in annual revenue, US Foods is the 10th largest private company in America. Many of the entities that make up US Foods were founded in the 19th century, including one that sold provisions to travelers heading west during the 1850s gold rush. As one of the country's most innovative food companies and leading distributors, US Foods offers more than 350,000 national brand products and its own high-quality “exclusive brand” items, ranging from fresh meats and produce to prepared and frozen foods. The company proudly employs approximately 25,000 people in more than 60 locations nationwide, and provides the finest quality food and related products to more than 250,000 customers, including independent and multi-unit restaurants, healthcare and hospitality entities, government and educational institutions. The company is headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., and jointly owned by funds managed by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice Inc. and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. Discover more at www.usfoods.com.
Source: US Foods
