CORAL GABLES, FL - Fresh fruits and vegetables are often called nature’s medicine, and never has that been more true than now. The distribution of safe and healthy food is a paramount need amidst COVID-19 concerns, and operators from all sides are working to meet that need. Fresh Del Monte Produce announced that during these times it will continue to deliver an uninterrupted supply of fresh fruits and vegetables that are safe, ready, and available from farms to stores.
“We are proud of the role we are playing to keep the world fed, and the 43,000 members of the global Fresh Del Monte Produce family remain committed to meet this very important objective,” said President Youssef Zakharia.
According to a press release, Fresh Del Monte Produce has taken numerous steps to date aimed at navigating this challenging global situation, supporting its employees, and ensuring business continuity.
Since the emergence of COVID-19, Fresh Del Monte Produce has activated its Global Executive Crisis Management team and regional response teams so that it can continuously stay abreast of the situation and communicate the latest developments, proactively monitoring and adjusting business processes and procedures as necessary to ensure business continuity.
Fresh Del Monte Produce production facilities remain open in locations where it is permitted. To increase social distancing, steps have been taken to reduce the number of employees in farm locations, packing houses, port operations, and production facilities, while ensuring business continuity.
In addition to strict good manufacturing policies, Fresh Del Monte Produce has increased its cleaning cycles in its facilities, protecting against pathogen cross-contamination and worker-to-worker spread. These include monitored handwashing practices and sanitization requirements. Any employees showing signs of illness are immediately segregated from the workforce and monitored before being allowed to return. Although these practices were already in place, they have been instrumental in helping mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Fresh Del Monte Produce has also activated its supply chain contingency plans to avoid any ongoing disruptions with respect to its ability to service customers.
The company has received incredible support from its employees, who remain committed to maintaining strict safety standards while ensuring that its valued customers can continue to provide quality food. As this crisis evolves, Fresh Del Monte Produce will continue to stay resilient and nimble, ensuring that everyone does what they must to stay healthy and safe.
As news continues to break surrounding COVID-19 concerns, keep reading ANUK.
