Gonnella Achieves BRC Certification

Hazle Township, PA

Schamburg, IL

Chicago, IL - Two of Gonnella Baking Company's manufacturing facilities have achieved the BRC Global Standard for Food Safety Version 5, with another two plants in the process of certification. The two production facilities, Schaumburg, IL and Hazle Township, PA are part of Gonnella's Frozen Products division which manufactures and sells frozen dough to grocery stores and bakery operations nationwide

Earning the BRC distinction is a large under-taking that can take up to 2 years for initial certification and each recipient is reaccessed annually. The Standard contains ten HACCP based Food Safety requirements which have been designated "fundamental".  These fundamental requirements relate to systems that are crucial to establishing and implementing effective food quality and safety programs. The fundamental requirements establish control to produce safe food and consumer products  in four key areas: production, packaging, storage and distribution .. Gonnella dedicated additional resources, training and time to install programs and procedures to meet the stringent guidelines. Daniel Herzog, Vice President of Corporate Compliance - Food Safety , states "Achieving the BRC Certification took total commitment from senior management all the way down to the production floor."

BRC Global Standard Certification started originally in the UK, but quickly gained worldwide acceptance of retailers and manufacturers. Certification reassures retailers of the quality and food safety competence of a supplier. "It was very important for Gonnella to achieve this global standard," said Herzog. "Since 1886 we have always had a commitment to safety and quality and this solidifies it for our customers and prospects."