USDA Establishes Quality Monitoring Program for Processed Produce Products

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has established a new service that was developed in response to the processed and fresh fruit and vegetable industry’s need to supplement internal quality control programs. The new Quality Monitoring Program (QMP) permits companies to submit specific processed produce samples for review to graders from USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS).
 
“This program is another example of government and industry working closely together to build services that will make a difference,” said AMS Deputy Administrator Robert Keeney. “This agreement underscores the commitment of U.S. Foodservice to the highest standards of quality, and will re-confirm that a consistent quality is maintained.”

Chicago-based U.S. Foodservice is the first company to sign an agreement with AMS to provide QMP services at several of its distribution centers. The company is the second largest broad-line distributor in the United States, serving more than 250,000 national customers, including restaurants, hospitals, hotels, schools and government.
 
After an AMS inspection, products that do not conform to assigned specifications are immediately reported back to the company. The produce industry relies on AMS’ thoroughly trained inspectors to provide impartial review and certification of shipments in various stages of the marketing chain.