In an open letter to all grower/shippers and retailers the RPA outlined the facts about the safe use of Reusable Plastic Containers (RPCs) in the food supply chain.
“Creating a safe food supply chain is a top concern for the Reusable Packaging Association and its members. In fact, there has never been a documented food safety issue associated with the use of reusable plastic containers (RPCs) in Canada or the US,” said RPA President, Jerry Welcome in his open letter to users and retailers.
To help maintain this stellar record, the RPA formed an RPC Food Safety Standards Committee earlier this year. The industry-wide committee has been researching and developing even stronger sanitation protocols for reusable containers based on HACCP, GMPs, and other food safety regimens identified by the US FDA and its Canadian counterparts. The guidelines also draw from recognized international food safety standards and practices.
RPA published the letter in response to a report from the University of Guelph that questions the cleanliness of RPCs used by Canadian growers, shippers, and retailers. Providing a safe food supply chain is a top concern for the RPA and its members. The association welcomes the participation of anyone in the food supply chain to continually strengthen reusable solutions and practices to create a safer food supply.
To read the full letter RPA Response to Canadian Food Safety Study