Haverhill, MA – Food manufacturer Hans Kissle received a score of 99.9 out of 100 after an audit of its food safety and quality operations. The audit was conducted by Silliker, the world’s leading provider of food safety and quality services.
Hans Kissle’s high score earned it one of Silliker’s Audit Platinum Awards, which are reserved for the companies with the highest scores from among all Silliker audits each year. In 2009, the company conducted several thousand GMP / food safety audits in North America alone – and with only 10 Platinum Awards going to food manufacturers, earning one is a distinct honor.
Robin Beane, Plant Manager at Hans Kissle, said “Food safety and quality is what Hans Kissle has been built on. They are the top priority for everyone who works here, at every level. We spend a sizeable amount of time training all employees on all aspects of food safety.” Clearly, that training has paid off.
The Silliker audit, Beane explains, was a one-day, on-site inspection. It included an extensive review of all Hans Kissle documentation, including good manufacturing practices (GMP), food defense, food safety programs, hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP), sanitation standard operating procedures (SSOP), mock recall, and more. In addition, the auditor observed employees in the production area, to verify that the actual processes reflect Hans Kissle’s written plans and programs. The entire facility — from receiving through shipping — was inspected by the auditor.
“Silliker saw exactly what we do every single day here,” Beane said. “It doesn’t matter if we’re being audited by the state, FDA, USDA, a third party, or no one at all. We always operate at the same level. Our standards are very high, but we can maintain them because our team has a superior level of commitment. We work together in every aspect of our jobs, and we are extremely proud of our facility and the quality products we produce every day.”
Beane added that Hans Kissle encourage its customers to “just drop in” to visit the facility any time. An invitation like that speaks volumes about the confidence and pride the Hans Kissle associates share in their work — and about the relationships the company has with its customers. “Many customers have sent notes of congratulations. They know this award is a huge achievement for us; they also know that it proves they’ve made a smart decision by choosing Hans Kissle,” said Beane.
“We take extreme pride in the quality and safety of our products, and each and every one of our associates is responsible for ensuring that only the best products leave our facility,” said Ken Venti, President of Hans Kissle. “A Silliker audit is tough, and a 99.9 score is simply incredible.”
Beane concluded, “This is a team accomplishment. We’re all thrilled that we’ve earned this distinction simply by adhering to our own high standards. This award is a testament to the hard work and extraordinary efforts of our entire team.”
Source: Hans Kissle