(U.S. Foodservice: Rosemont, IL) -- U.S. Foodservice, one of the premier food service distributors in the United States, is continuing its commitment to food safety by hosting a technical working group established to standardize the Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), or food safety standards, in the United States. The meeting of the “Produce Harmonization Initiative,” as it is known in the food industry, was in Rosemont, Illinois, on May 12–13.

This influential group of industry representatives is working to develop a single set of national standards for the produce industry in the United States that can be audited, recognized, and accepted globally by all segments of the food industry. The result of the initiative would enhance consumers’ protection from potential hazards that may contaminate produce at the farm level. Participants include some of the country’s most respected organizations, including Chiquita/Fresh Express, McDonald’s, Sunkist Growers, Target, Taylor Farms, and the United Fresh Produce Association.

The goal of the technical working group is to develop the best food safety standards to protect consumers. The first draft of these standards is expected by Oct. 1.

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